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INSIDE POLLINATORS A BIOTECH REVIEW NEW PHYTOSANITARY PROGRAM September 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM SEED IS NOT WHAT IT USE TO BE INNOVATIONS IN BREEDING BRING EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AND SOME POLICY CHALLENGES. BERNICE SLUTSKY EXPLORE the NATIONAL POLLINATOR STRATEGY Secrets of a STRONG Seed Coating Spotlight on NAPB Meet the 2015 FUTURE GIANT Biotechnology Goes Under Review PLANTTECH SHEPAVEDTHE WAYTWICE At Bayer CropScience we take product stewardship very seriously e.g. by supplying only high-quality seed-applied solutions in combination with best management practices. We believe that focusing on risk mitigation innovation and partnerships is crucial for sustainable agriculture to maximize yield and avoid negative impact on human health and the environment. Bayer SeedGrowth our fully integrated system with fourfold competence offers efficient and sustainability- oriented services e.g. best handling practices coatings e.g. to limit dust-off products that come with safe usage recommendations and equipment that facilitates correct treatment. The stewardship approach with this fourfold competence offers powerful support to you in whatever part you play in the seed treatment business. That way you never work alone. YOU NEVER WORK ALONE www.seedgrowth.bayer.com SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 1 CONTENTSSEPTEMBER2015 Data Collection Made Easy The seed industry farmers and students are all expected to benefit from a university investment to advance plant science. The Drive to Reduce Dust National organizations and companies collaborate to mitigate any dust released during the planting of treated seed. Keeping Seed Disease Free The American Seed Trade Association launches a new pilot program that seeks to accredit companies for having implemented specific phytosanitary measures. Create the Best Internship Ever Through the eyes of two interns youll uncover what makes an internship worth seeking out and valuable. Reviving Pollinator Populations Enter the hive and explore the details of the White Houses national pollinator strategy. Biotech Review Learn more about the call to update the federal policy for ensuring the safety of biotech products. Meet Samantha Sisk Known for her ability to work across multiple teams and advance communications initiatives on multiple levels Samantha Sisk was named 2015 Future Giant. Features 08 10 12 16 18 28 30 12 18 30 2 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 CONTENTSSEPTEMBER2015 In Every Issue Spotlight on NAPB Conference Did you miss the National Association of Plant Breeders annual meeting Dont worry Seed World has the highlights. Information Requests Chill Scientific Community Across the country university scientists are hit with Freedom of Information Act requests in an attempt to silence their outreach and education initiatives. Paving the Way for New Plant Technologies Check out our additions to the seed industrys Top 100 most influential people. Among them are Bernice Slutsky and Eda Reinot. See who else made the list. ASTA Goes to D.C. At the American Seed Trade Associations 132nd Annual Convention industry leaders gathered to talk to policymakers and hear from those within the beltway. Pope Could Be a Power Player When it comes to the acceptance of GMOs and science that helps battle hunger the Pope has significant influence but will he use it Features continued 38 44 46 58 62 Strategy Research Showcase Cross Pollination Regulatory Roundup World Status Industry News Since 1915 34 64 68 70 72 74 78 Columns 26 80 International Ag Development Discover how seed improvements are made in Africa as Dennis Thompson walks you through three different informal seed systems. Giant Views International Seed Federation Secretary General Michael Keller prepares to lead the seed industry through changing times to advance policy. Photography by Moshe Zusman Photography Studio She has paved the path for the advancement of new plant technologies two times. Unbeknownst to many Bernice Slutsky has played a pivotal role in helping shape policy when the first biotech events came onto the market. Twenty years later at the American Seed Trade Association she helped lead the development of a framework that helps seed companies navigate biotech events into a post- patent era while being mindful of the grain distribution channels and international regulatory approvals. On the Cover WEBWHEREONTHE For bonus content and more information on these issues check out SeedWorld.com. Here youll find videos extra photos and charts and notes from our journalists. Below are just a few highlights from this issue. SeedWorld.comwebinar Want to learn more about the advancements being made to seed coatings and polymers and what to expect from products currently in the pipeline Register for Seed Worlds first Strategy webinar that will be held Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. Eastern. SeedWorld.comGiantViews Discover some of the latest advancements in plant breeding as Seed Worlds Shawn Brook sits down with movers and shakers at the National Association of Plant Breeders annual meeting held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee. SeedWorld.comleadership future-giants On page 30 you get to meet the 2015 Future Giant of the seed industry Samantha Sisk of AgReliant Genetics. Here you can learn more about the award and former award winners. Remember its not too early to be thinking about who you might nominate for next year. 6 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015 THE INKERS MAIN OFFICE 1395-A S. Columbia Road PMB 360 Grand Forks ND 58201-9907 SUBSCRIPTIONS Seed World is published six times a year. North American subscription rates are one year USD 70 two years USD 120. The international rate for one year is USD 200. To subscribe please email subscribeissuesink.com. WANT MORE SEED WORLD Follow us online at facebook.comSeedWorld twitter.comseedworldmag SeedWorld.com 100YearsOfGrowth.com Q. WHATS YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS APP OR TOOL AND WHY 1. Pocket for mobile and web browsers is an improved reading list or bookmark solution for anything you come across online that you want to save for later. 2. Wunderlist lets me organize my work priorities and my life all in one convenient app that is on my computer and iPhone. 3. Daily I make use of Todoist a great application for managing multiple to-do lists with cloud synching among the phone app desktop app and Chrome plugin. 4. I am very partial to Waze the mapping app. Its by far the most intelligent and most useful GPSmapping service. I use it all the time. Please recycle where facilities exist. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States. Designed to set the standard for plant growth the Percival LED Series offers research chambers that allow for specific control over the one research variable that has eluded precision light MULTI-SPECTRUM LAMP BANK The LED Series provides the correct spectral quality at the correct irradiance with exceptional environmental control every time Helping You Create Better Science www.percival-scientific.com Featuring LED Multi-Spectrum Lamp Bank LEDSeries THE CONTRIBUTORS Sandi Karstens Lisa Kopochinski Dennis Thompson Brian Wallheimer EDITORIAL BOARD R.B. Halaby AgriCapital Betty Jones-Bliss Purdue University John Schoenecker HM.CLAUSE Jim Schweigert Gro Alliance Karen Withers Pennington Seed PUBLISHER Shawn Brook sbrookissuesink.com EDITOR Julie Deering jdeeringissuesink.com STAFF EDITORS Mark Halsall Lindsay Hoffman Shannon Schindle Marc Zienkiewicz MARKETING Craig Armstrong carmstrongissuesink.com Sam Mostafa smostafaissuesink.com Hiten Shah hshahissuesink.com CREATIVE Theresa Kurjewicz Lesley Nakonechny DIGITAL Nick Buhr Kyle Dratowany Jill Hollosi Caleb MacDonald Lynne Roy Ashley-Anne Schmidt CIRCULATION Dean French dfrenchissuesink.com REGISTER TODAY AMERICAN SEED TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR AMERICAS LARGEST SEED INDUSTRY CONFERENCE Join Us In Chicago amseed.org Knowledge and values to grow your business Unified Ag Solutions LLC P.O. Box 3645 Omaha NE 68103 888-402-4787 www.unifiedagsolutions.com Seed Treaters Box-to-Box Treaters Automated Manual Systems Seed Treatments Inoculants Biologicals Bulk Seed Systems Seed Tenders Calibrations And more 10 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 STEWARDSHIP OF SEED treatments is not a new concept to the industry but stakeholders are coming together in a new way to further efforts. One such effort is the Pollinator Partnership which works to protect the health of managed and native pollinators in North America. This is a unique opportunity for real outreach and understanding the needs of all stakeholders involved in seed says Laurie Davies Adams Pollinator Partnership executive director. Working together is in everyones best interest but it doesnt happen often. You have to look for overlap in perspectives and every stakeholder has a different perspective. You have to find where they coincide and work in that space. In 2013 the Pollinator Partnership formed the Corn Dust Research Consortium CDRC to fund oversee and advise research projects that further the under- standing of best management practices for mitigating seed treatment exposure to honeybees during planting. Organizations such as the American Seed Trade Association American Beekeeping Federation the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Bayer CropScience National Corn Growers Association Syngenta and others comprise the CDRC. According to Davies Adams the consortium is getting ready to release a major report that looks at long-term effects of seed treatments on bees. Its most recent report concluded that the highest exposure of bees to seed treatments occurred during the approxi- mately two-week planting period. In addition to collaborative efforts individual com- panies continue improving the stewardship of seed treatments throughout the process from preparation of the seed to application and planting. Investing Resources One company thats made a significant investment in this area is DuPont. To further its stewardship efforts the company is constructing DuPont Integrated Seed Science Centers. The first Seed Science Center was built in Wilmington Del. and has been in operation for several months. Most recently Aug. 5 DuPont opened the doors to its Johnston Iowa facility and a third facility is planned for South America. The Seed Science Centers build on a pipeline of seed treatment products and combinations by ena- bling DuPont to test new formulations under unique environmental conditions to create tailored treatments that meet specific grower needs shares Jeff Daniels DuPont Pioneers Seed Treatment Enterprise global lead for application and agronomy. These facilities will focus on the products applied to seed the process used to apply them and help employees and sales rep- resentatives better understand the products and how to properly steward them. Daniels explains the facilities will develop recipes that further reduce dust-off by keeping treatments on the seed. This will allow seed to flow easily through planters minimize buildup and reduce dust he says. Syngenta is another company that is focused on reducing dust. When you apply multiple active ingre- dients the formulations get more complicated says Palle Pedersen Syngenta Seedcare head of product marketing. Its really about the amount of active ingre- dient youre putting on the seed that can interfere with equipment particularly during planting. To help with the dust issue Syngenta makes sure its seed treatment products work with the equipment farmers use. Farmers went from six- and eight-row finger pickup planters to 36- and 48-row air assist planters and that has had big implications for the flow of seed and planting speed Pedersen says. We started many years ago to really be sure our products worked with the changes in equipment farmers use and weve had to make some major changes. Bayer CropScience too is focused on minimizing dust. The company developed Fluency Agent a seed lubricant for corn and soybeans that replaces talc graphite and talcgraphite-blended seed lubri- cants. Research shows that Fluency Agent reduces the amount of insecticide active ingredient released in dust from treated seed during planting by 65 percent. Through individual and collaborative research efforts such as these the stewardship practices used by industry will continue to evolve for the better. SW The Drive to Reduce DustA rapidly evolving sector of the industry seed treatments have undergone continuous improvements since their introduction in the 1970s. Today the efforts are focused on reducing dust from treated seeds. Marc Zienkiewicz 65 percent of dust from seed treated with an insecticide is reduced by Fluency Agent. 2013 is the year that the Corn Dust Research Consortium was formed. STATS When you apply multiple active ingre- dients the formulations get more complicated. Palle Pedersen 800-333-9048 AdvantaUS.com USA Argentina India Thailand Indonesia Australia WELCOME TO OUR TEST PLOT 2014 Advanta US Inc. ADV-13-002b SW The only way to tackle the worlds food challenge is by using a global perspective. Thats why Advanta has developed a worldwide network of researchers and test facilities to scour the globe for the best traits and germplasm. Then we bring the worlds most exciting plant traits to North America to help make the planets most productive growers even better. When you partner with a global player like Advanta you open up a whole world of possibilities for your seed offerings. CALL US FOR A TOUR NEAR YOU 800-333-9048 12 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 MOVING TOMATO SEED into the United States isnt easy. Due to a number of disease and pest issues in many foreign countries there are dozens of phytosanitary and other requirements a company must meet to move tomato seed across the border. Its very convoluted and compli- cated says Ric Dunkle senior direc- tor of seed health and trade for the American Seed Trade Association. Its a back breaker because you have to do so much to make sure diseases arent present in the seed. For tomatoes the requirements are especially strict its not a punishment per se but a more stringent form of regu- lation to keep invasive pests and diseases at bay. However a new pilot program that is being launched could allow seed com- panies to self-regulate for one disease in one type of seeds. The National Seed Health Accreditation Pilot Program is a partnership among the seed industry the U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service APHIS and ASTA. The pilot project came about in response to the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus CGMMV which was found for the first time in California fields in 2013. The yearlong pilot program officially launched at the end of July. Were looking at a pilot program an idea instead of going through with new rules and regulations to handle some- thing like this says Michael Perry Designed in response to an invasive virus the National Seed Health Accreditation Pilot Program could prevent the need for additional regulation. Brian Wallheimer a USDA-APHIS senior export specialist. Were looking at existing industry mechanisms to manage this and we are looking at the quality management systems out there and making sure they are up to par and accrediting those systems. Virus Introduction In Asia the Middle East and Europe CGMMV has long been known to infect certain cucurbit species including watermelon melon cucumber pumpkin squash and gourds. It has more recently been found in Canada but not in the United States until 2013. The virus which is seed transmissible can cause serious yield losses. According to ASTA the virus shows up as a mot- tling and mosaic in leaves as well as fruit mottling and distortion. Early symptoms include vein clearing and crumpling on young leaves while mature leaves become bleached and chlorotic mild to severe leaf distortion can occur with leaf mottling and blistering and plant stunting ASTA reports. CGMMV was found through a routine field inspection in Yolo County Calif. The field was quarantined and Dunkle says the virus is essentially contained if not eliminated. But its presence set off a need to examine how APHIS industry and other partners would need to respond. Pilot Program Aims to Keep Seeds Disease Free Traditionally USDA would go about setting up new rules or regulations for importing seed that could be affected by CGMMV. That could be anything including required field inspections new phytosanitary requirements or manda- tory laboratory testing of all imports. Those new rules or regulations not only take a long time to implement but they can be costly in terms of time and money for all parties involved. This was a disease we had never been concerned about until this hap- pened Perry says. We would basically place a great amount of scrutiny and effort to keep that pest out. 14 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Another issue is that government inspections at ports of entry tend to be visual. The problem is you cant visually detect pathogens that occur inside the seed Dunkle says. Instead of going down that road APHIS called together a conference of seed companies regulatory entities and ASTA to look for alternatives. The result is the National Seed Health Accreditation Pilot Program. APHIS sent out this olive branch to companies when they said we would like to work with industry to address the issue associated with seed imports without imposing more regulations on the industry Dunkle says. We said lets look at accrediting companies and look at what things need to be in their systems for Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus. Checks and Balances To begin APHIS will accredit as many as 20 seed companies who will work together to examine each others qual- ity assurance practices and develop a standard for excluding CGMMV from U.S. soil. APHIS will perform laboratory testing on seed imports as a check on the system. APHIS will hopefully be able to rate the effectiveness of the program through these baseline checks Dunkle says. Most of these practices are already in place for phytosanitary protection. Companies are already doing field inspections and other tests for internal company purposes. Seed samples will be tested at Iowa State University and compared to results from accredited companies. If successful the testing done at Iowa State University wont find CGMMV in seed deemed clean by industry partners. Instead of having the material stopped at the port of entry a sample taken and slowing everything down were using existing mechanisms to manage this Perry says. Its very low- impact as far as running the program. The accreditation program appeals to industry for a number of reasons. First participants in the program will be test- ing seed to ensure it is free from disease and pests. Doing those tests in-house makes the process fairly streamlined. As Perry says mandatory testing through APHIS could slow down import and distribution processes for companies some of which are running on schedules where a few days can be significant. For us this is something we already do says Samantha Thomas global stewardship and industry affairs lead at Monsanto based in Woodland Calif. Our turnaround time is seven days. If this goes to an external lab that timeline is not fixed. A couple of days could matter for a growing season. Second one of the groups with the most to lose should CGMMV take hold in the United States is the seed companies themselves. Even if a particular company is not responsible for importing tainted seeds it is just as likely to suffer the consequences of an invasive pathogen in production fields. None of us works in a silo Thomas says. Its in our industrys best interest to share this information. Seed health is not a new concept for the vegetable seed industry. Many of the larger companies have a robust system in place. We have good management practices Thomas says noting there is quite a bit of knowledge within the industry. Tom Moore HM.CLAUSE manager of seed production based in Davis Calif. echoes that sentiment and says that industry has a responsibility to not only itself but also to consumers to keep contaminated seeds out of the market. When youre talking about diseases they dont attack just one company Moore says. We want to be sure that the seed we bring in is as clean as possible. Its putting more of the onus on the com- pany our industry than on APHIS. Perry says its clear that seed compa- nies have an interest in keeping their own seed as clean as possible. If there was a positive finding the industry does not want that seed Perry APHIS sent out this olive branch to companies when they said we would like to work with industry to address the issue associated with seed imports without imposing more regulations on the industry. Ric Dunkle SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 15 says. Everybodys interest is in seed health. Industry has a great stake in that. Putting heads together on best prac- tices also stands to improve just about everyone involved. You find little tidbits that are maybe not as strong as they could be when you go through a quality assurance audit Moore says. Through the auditing process we might pick up areas where were weak. Third its simply expensive to comply with new regulations. If companies are spending all their money on the regulatory side they dont have as much to put into innovation Dunkle says. If we can keep this in the marketplace side if we can keep this in the corporate side innovation will meet the challenges. Finally an accreditation program can be used as a marketing tool that brings other companies into better compliance in terms of seed health. Knowing that seed is clean or at least is certified as having been handled by a company that uses the best management practices available could be a significant factor for a seed buyer. Someone could see that this part of the USDA pilot program here are the results that are part of that program and it could bring an assurance or a peace of mind Perry explains. Dunkle says seed companies are moti- vated to see their competitors fall into line with better management practices. Theres a lot of self-policing thats going on in the industry he says. Companies who are doing the right things see companies who arent as causing risk to them. Going Forward Dunkle says the yearlong pilot will teach all parties involved a lot about how well the accreditation system works. He is also working with a USDA researcher to measure to what degree phytosanitary risks are lowered when using the management practices adopted by the accredited companies. Dunkle says that this will provide scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the industrys ability to monitor itself in these cases. After the initial year Perry says all parties involved will get together again to evaluate the program and adjust- ments might need to be made. The pilot program could become a permanent USDA-APHIS program. Or the whole thing could be scrapped. But no one seems to be pulling for the latter. If successful there is hope that the program could be expanded to account for more diseases or pests and more species. If it does work we could apply this pilot to other diseases and identify opportunities to expand on it but we need to see how this works first shares Perry. Moore is optimistic. Disease pres- sure is not something thats going to stop he says. This sets up a good process to handle any of the diseases that could come in. SW None of us works in a silo. Its in our industrys best interest to share this information. Samantha Thomas 16 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Elevate the Internship Experience Great internship programs provide students with skills they can take into the workforce and companies with new ideas and fresh perspectives. Seed World sits down with two interns to discover what characteristics comprise a great internship. Julie Deering SURE YOU CAN HIRE AN INTERN to make coffee print copies and enter data but thats not likely to benefit the student or your company. Taking the time to create a top-notch internship program not only invests in the future of the industry but can also be beneficial for the company today and into the future. Savannah Steinke a 20-year old Purdue University agricultural sales and marketing student from Rensselaer Ind. just wrapped up her first summer internship where she focused on design marketing and branding at Dow AgroSciences. Steinke says the most important skill she has learned during the internship is project management. Ive learned to manage multiple projects at one time how to meet deadlines and how to execute a strategy she says. Dow has made this a unique opportunity for me because theyve encouraged my personal growth and tailored projects to my personal interests. For example Im a 10-year 4-Her and have a strong passion for the agriculture industry and they let me create the design that appeared on buttons given to farmers at the Indiana State Fair. Heidi Darrington a 20-year old Iowa State University agricultural communications student from Underwood Iowa also had a successful internship at DuPont Pioneer. She served as visitor and stakeholder outreach intern in Johnston Iowa. Darrington says the most valuable skill she learned through the internship was time management. My primary responsibility was to facilitate custom visits for international groups customers and students Darrington says. We had requests coming in everyday for groups of all different sizes and I had to coordinate with people in marketing sales and agronomy to make sure everyone was prepared and knew what to expect. They really pushed my limits to see how far I could go. For companies looking to take their internship programs to the next level or that are just getting started Steinke and Darrington have a few tips. Companies should have a training program at the start to give students the opportunity to learn about the industry the company and its products Steinke says. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers NACE holding an orientation is one of the top five best practices for internship programs. Orientation ensures that everyone starts with the same expectations and role definitions. This is also the time where management and the interns sit down to understand each other and set goals. Additionally interns should be given their own projects. Darrington says when looking for an internship she didnt want to be doing mundane tasks. One of her last projects was to host and manage a 170-person conference where she worked to coordinate the details from start to finish. Let the intern take initiative on different assigned projects Steinke adds. Encourage the intern to make the project his or her own and to come back to the company or manager with ideas. Being able to take ownership of something is a valuable experience and very rewarding. Giving interns responsibility or real work assignments is also a best management practice. Providing interns with real work is No. 1 to ensuring your programs success according to NACE. Interns should be doing work related to their major that is challenging that is recognized by the organization as valuable and that fills the entire work term. Reaching Goals Steinke says students bring a youthful creative and different perspective to companies. Kenda Resler-Friend Dow AgroSciences external communications and media relations leader has worked closely with Steinke during her internship. Savannahs energy and ideas are refreshing Resler-Friend says. Weve gained insights from her that brought new ways to look at our outreach. As a business or manager the primary objectives are to effectively manage workflow to accomplish immediate goals and to find new team members to help grow the business and accomplish long-term goals. Elevating your internship program can meet both of those needs simultaneously. According to a 2009 NACE Experiential Education Survey 35.3 percent of employers fulltime entry-level college hires came from their internship programs. SW HEIDI DARRINGTON of Underwood Iowa recently served as visitor and stakeholder outreach intern for DuPont Pioneer. SAVANNAH STEINKE of Rensselaer Ind. finished a design marketing and branding internship at Dow AgroSciences. 18 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 A NATIONAL STRATEGY to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators released by the White House May 19 outlines a com- prehensive approach to tackle and reduce the multi- tude of stressors affecting pollinator heath. Pollinators are not only crucial to the nations food supply but its environmental and financial health. They are responsible for one in every three bites of food eaten by humans. And each year pollinators are responsible for increasing the value of the U.S. crop by more than 15 billion. Meanwhile nearly three-fourths of all native plants require pollination most often by an insect and usually that insect is a native bee. The White House outlined three goals for its national strategy 1. Reduce honeybee colony losses to economically sustainable levels. 2. Increase monarch butterfly numbers to protect the annual migration. 3. Restore or enhance millions of acres of land for pollinators through combined public and private action. To achieve these goals the strategy addresses pests and pathogens reduced habitat lack of nutri- tional resources and exposure to pesticides. Habitat and exposure to pesticides are two areas that have the most potential to impact the seed industry. With the exception of the past two years glob- ally pollinator health has been in serious decline for more than a decade. To help revive pollinator popula- tions the strategy is designed to not only promote the health of honeybees and other managed pollinating insects but also expands and adds to actions already being undertaken by federal departments and agencies to reverse pollinator losses and restore populations. The strategy focuses on expanding the conversation through enhanced public educa- tion and outreach as well as strong publicprivate partnerships. In its efforts the White House seeks to engage all segments of society to work together to increase pollinators. Pesticide Technologies Pesticides play a critical role in agricultural production and miti- gating the effects of pesticides on bees is a priority for the federal government as bee pollination and insect control are essential to the success of agriculture. Rick Keigwin director of the Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Pesticide Programs Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division says seed treatments and pesticide exposure are big components of the national pollinator strategy. SANDI KARSTENS grew up on a farm near Platte Center Neb. With a bachelors and a masters degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Nebraska Lincoln Karstens has covered issues affecting agriculture for nearly 20 years. She lives in Lincoln and loves to travel preferably near an ocean. Reviving Pollinator Populations The White House releases a national strategy for improving the health of honeybees and other pollinators. 1 of 3 bites of food we eat is dependent on pollinators. 15 billion is the value that pollinators add to U.S. crops each year. 34 of all native plants require pollination. COMBINING THEBESTOF BOTHWORLDS For years there has been an ongoing debate over the virtues of traditional palletizers versus robotic palletizers. Each had their advantages and their disadvantages. That debate is now over. Concetti Group robotic palletizers Utilize reliable robotic technology to position bag Incorporate four sided squaring of traditional palletizer Filled pallets are consistent with no overhang of bags Simplify overlapping of bags Large hard to handle bags made easy CONTACT US TODAY FOR FULL SPECS AND PRICING. 3400 109th Street Des Moines IA 50322 800-247-6755 www.bratney.com 20 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 We have been doing a lot of work during the past couple of years to try to bring together different aspects of the federal government with private sector industry and land-grant universi- ties to develop best management practices related to treated seed Keigwin says. In addition the agency works to identify the current state of tech- nology in seed coatings. We are looking at what tech- nology is available and what new technology has advanced to the commercial market place Keigwin says noting that this helps them identify the best possible practices to reduce exposure to pollinators. For example he says a new lubricant that can be added to the planting hopper has become available and initial studies show it reduces dust thus reducing pesti- cide exposure. EPA is also working with equip- ment manufacturers internationally to develop new standards in equip- ment to reduce dust emissions. Keigwin says the EPA in its registration review is looking at seed treatments to determine what changes might be necessary. While we havent completed the risk assessment we are looking at some of these new technolo- gies to reduce exposure and the benefits to growers in using this technology he explains. Jane DeMarchi American Seed Trade Association vice president of government affairs says while we dont know exactly what the national pollinator strategy means for the seed industry there is potential for some positive oppor- tunities as far as programs put in place to increase pollinator habitat. The strategy has many moving parts with many federal agencies involved. In addition there are opportunities for the private sector when it comes to pollinator friendly seed mixes she says. As research information is sub- mitted to EPA like many compa- nies ASTA is waiting to see what Managed Honeybee Colony Losses in the U.S. This chart summarizes the total overwinter colony loss each winter from Oct. 1 to April 1 of managed honeybee colonies in the United States. The red bar is the average percentage of acceptable loss and the orange bar represents the percentage of actual loss. Source Bee Informed Partnership 2014. PercentTotalColonyWinterLoss 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 All U.S. Bee Colonies v. Honey Producing Colonies The total number of honeybee colonies on farms Dec. 31 unless noted has doubled since the 1970s according to USDA. Its important to note that beekeepers who did not meet USDAs definition of a farm are not included any place from which 1000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold. Meanwhile honey producing colonies on farms has steadily decreased since it was first tracked in the 1980s. For data collected on honey producing colonies a Only producers with five-plus colonies were surveyed b Colonies that produced honey in more than one state were counted in each state c Honey can be taken from colonies which did not survive the entire year. Source USDA. 4500000 4000000 3500000 3000000 2500000 2000000 1500000 1000000 500000 Colonies NumberofColonies HoneyProducingColonies 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 June1 April15 Jan.1 April1 April1 April1 SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 21 actions they propose and are ready to address them. These actions could range from spraying pesticides to the number of federal dollars put toward increasing acreage of new habitat and forage. The plan is meant to be a long-term strategy DeMarchi says. While seed companies might not know exactly how the strategy is going to impact them many have already taken proactive measures to improve health and vitality of pollinators. A few of these efforts include increasing habitat communication and outreach initiatives and new part- nerships. Increasing Habitat Increasing the quality and quantity of habitat for pol- linators is also a major part of the national strategy. Habitat quality and quantity are central to the health of pollinator populations and ecosystems and the well-being of our society is dependent on these resources according to the strategy. The federal role on expanding and improving pollinator habitat will be through the large variety of facilities and acreages of land managed by the federal government and indi- rectly through the leadership role that federal agencies play in interactions with states localities the private sector and citizens. Caydee Savinelli pollinator and integrated pest management stewardship lead at Syngenta says there are two big things in the strategy that impact the seed industry increasing high-quality diverse forage for honeybees and other pollinators and increasing the monarch butterfly population. Savinelli who is an entomologist by training says monarchs and honeybees prefer much of the same forage. While monarchs love milkweed they also love other flowers so increasing habitat and forage is usu- ally beneficial for both she explains. Increasing forage and habitat is key for companies such as Syngenta and Bayer CropScience. We have to look at it from a holistic approach says Becky Langer Bayer CropScience North American bee care manager. Bayer has historically had strong research efforts in the areas of bee health and forage habitat. She says the national strategy offers a great road map for all stakeholders whether thats beekeepers scientists or consumers buying garden plants. One of Bayers initiatives to increase forage health is its Feed a Bee campaign. Langer explains that Feed a Bee focuses on consumers and landowners. The initiative has been popular. When Bayer started handing out seed packets to help promote its goal to plant 50 million flowers in a year it hit the mark in just five weeks. In addition the North American Bayer Bee Care Center hit 3000 visitors in its first week. Monarch butterflies cannot survive without milkweed as its the only food source for monarch caterpillars. President Obama is the first president to have a beehive located on the South Lawn of the White House. The honey is used in White House recipes. 22 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 You know the topic is popular but until you see folks come in you dont realize how popular it is Langer says. In North Carolina where Bayers headquarters are located in Research Triangle Park the com- pany has worked to plant pollinator friendly roadsides. And in Kansas it worked to plant five 15-acre plots on a dairy farm that supplies milk to Dannon in Florida. In partnering with other organi- zations such a Project Apis m. a California nonprofit Bayer has worked to provide quality forage in almond groves and is now looking at apple groves. Additionally Syngentas Operation Pollinator program for more than 10 years has taken marginal agricultural land not being used for crops and incorporates flowering plants. The program works with dif- ferent conservation groups in the agricultural space and has done research with the University of California Davis Michigan State University and the University of Florida on group pollination. Through its Operation Pollinator program Syngenta also col- laborates with Applewood Seed Company in Arvada Colo. to provide golf courses with custom- blends of wildflower seed native to the region. Norm Poppe Applewood Seed Company general manager says his company has been actively in engaged on the national pollinator strategy at many levels. Whether it be participating with the Honey Bee Health Coalition or helping ASTA with pollinator plans Applewood Seed Company has its own diverse mix of seeds for all kinds of pollinators including native bees honeybees and monarch but- terflies. It has supplied seeds for a range of federal programs state highway programs and at the consumer level. The emphasis on pollinators and the decline in their health has been a strong topic for us in trying to develop products and advise on research to pro- duce and provide better quality products Poppe says. He is glad to see the emphasis on pollinator health and is ready to see things start happening. Poppe hopes the White House will push for increased funding to help plant more forage for all the various pollinators. Applewood Seed Company has been actively involved in researching mixtures since 2007. At that time pollinators were a secondary part of what the company did which was to focus on flower seeds with an ornamental purpose. However after 2007 when they saw the need for more functional landscapes Poppes team found that ornamental and functional fit together quite well. Weve been actively involved in identifying what pollinators are attracted to and what seeds we sell Poppe says. For the past eight years Applewood has been working on that research and developed subsets attractive to monarchs and tailored to honeybees. It has also developed mixtures tailored to general pollina- tors such as native bee flies and hummingbirds. A significant consideration is pollinators differ from their mouths to the size of head that allow them to feed on nectar pollinate. They need to fit certain flowers he explains. Some species arent attracted to or physically cant feed on them. So these seed mixes need to be tailored specifically to the insect you are trying to attract. Outreach Education and Communication Applewood Seed is also working on an education component that will share the research theyve done the past eight years with others in the industry. Weve gathered a lot of infor- mation but have found the topic of forage and nutrition for pollinators is not a subject a lot of people are well versed on he says. We are sharing what weve learned with a larger population whether that be a seed company putting informa- tion on its packet or a seed distrib- utor selling seed to golf courses. Additionally Applewood Seed Company is working with highway departments to provide a better understanding of what mixes would perform well on a roadside with mowing schemes. Bayer too participates in hundreds of events from talks at universities to field days conven- tions and trade shows. For its employees it offers a bee ambas- sador program. Bayer believes pollinator health is an area everyone can get involved with and continually improve asking for community feedback to help shape the future of its program. Savinelli adds that Syngenta works with state pesticide educa- tion programs that in turn influence programs run by local Extension educators who in turn work with farmers. Really the No. 1 thing to know is what insect youre targeting and what is causing the problem Savinelli says. When it comes to seed treat- ments seed companies and other groups are working to minimize dust that occurs at application looking into using different equip- ment and timing. Communication is key for suc- cess. If you have beekeepers in the area they may want to keep their bees somewhere else so they dont get exposed to pesticides Savinelli says. It is the exposure that puts bees in harms way. Syngenta continues to conduct studies submitting results to EPA. Its important to look at field studies Savinelli says. For exam- ple in Canada beekeepers bring Through initiatives such as Bayer CropSciences Feed a Bee campaign homeowners are encouraged to plant pollinator friendly gardens. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 23 their bees to canola fields in which 90 to 100 percent of those seeds are treated with neonicotinoids. It is a good food source and in my mind it tells me there isnt a problem with the plants that come from seeds treated by neonicotinoids. When it comes to pesticides Bayers CARE Communicating Awareness Reducing Ensure Program has communication at its center. It is important beekeepers and growers communicate with each other being sure there is awareness about wind and potential for drift reducing the potential for exposure and ensur- ing equipment is working properly Langer says. She adds that Bayer has worked with equipment manufactur- ers to find ways to prevent dust from coming off equipment. The company also looks into new products one with a focus on bee repellency. To further these efforts ASTA in partnership with other organizations launched the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge to help increase pollinator habitat. Meanwhile ASTA conducts outreach within the seed industry and among farmers to increase seed treatment stewardship and make sure the active ingredients on the seeds do what they are supposed to and that growers are buying high quality seed. Seed treatments offer farmers many benefits and ASTA will continue its involvement in the process until the EPA registration review process wraps up in 2017. Working Together Companies such as Applewood Bayer and Syngenta are work- ing together to improve the health of honeybees as part of the Honey Bee Health Coalition. Julie Shapiro Honey Bee Health Coalition facilitator and senior associate of The Keystone Policy Center says the diverse multi-sector coalition brings groups together including beekeep- ers researchers government agencies agribusinesses grow- ers conservation groups manufacturers and consumer brands. Together these groups improve the health of honeybees in general and specifically around production agriculture. Our mission is to collaboratively implement solutions that will help to achieve a healthy population of honeybees while also supporting healthy populations of native and managed pollina- tors in the context of productive agricultural systems and thriv- ing ecosystems Shapiro says. The coalition advances initiatives to address the multiple fac- tors that influence honeybee health including hive management forage and nutrition crop pest management and education. Our work aligns with the national strategys goal of restor- ing and enhancing 7 million acres of pollinator habitat federal actions and public-private partnerships she says. The coalition submitted science-based recommendations to the task force emphasizing the need for research and develop- ment. In addition it encourages members to promote agricul- tural practices that benefit pollinators and other insect groups. The coalition also works to advance understanding of honey- bee nutrition and the development of pre-competitive solutions for improving honeybee nutrition supplements. In addition it is advancing communication education and solutions across its diverse stakeholders to control crop pests while safeguarding pollinator health. SW STRATEGY REMAINS EXPLORATORY IN SCOPE If you find yourself wondering exactly what the details are much of the recommendations are still in the exploratory phase thus the many unknowns. One such recommendation that has the potential to increase demand for pollinator mixes is the possible expansion of the Conservation Reserve Program CRP to benefit pollinators. According to the strategy CRP currently has more than 24 million acres enrolled nationwide including more than 1 million CRP state acres for wildlife enhancement and other continuous CRP practices that provide enhanced pollinator habitat with diverse cover types. As part of the strategy the Farm Service Agency FSA will review its CRP practices to identify those practices that are already beneficial to wild pollinators and managed bees and where additional pollinator plantings can be included. CRP Acres for Pollinators Meanwhile FSA has more than 124000 acres currently enrolled in a special CRP category for practicing enhanced pollinator habitat CP-42 and has allocated an additional 76000 acres of land specifically for that practice. Practices that qualify for CP-42 include planting native plant species and a variety of plants that flower at different times of the growing season to provide a diversity of pollen sources necessary for bee nutrition and health. FSA is monitoring the effectiveness of CP-42 enrollments and other CRP practices to document and quantify the benefits to pollinators. Depending on data and stakeholder feedback new practices and acres could be added to the program. 26 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 SEED SYSTEMS THROUGHOUT much of sub- Sahara Africa are quite informal and lack the structure weve come to know in North America. Those systems are challenged to function under or in spite of innu- merable constraints. Yet many are functional. Recently I got a firsthand look at a number of seed systems in Mali Niger Uganda Kenya and Malawi. But to understand the seed systems you must first under- stand the farmers. Most farmers are smallholders operating on one to seven acres. Their principal crops are open- or self- pollinated pearl millet finger millet sorghum ground- nut common bean and not widely adapted across the regions. Families consume much of their crop produc- tion and excess grain cannot be readily marketed. Grain is too precious to feed to animals. Additionally mechanization is nonexistent or generally not afford- able and cash is spent on food or school tuition. Now lets hone in on the themes within the seed systems. The private sector seed industry is mostly absent from the semi-arid tropical regions of sub- Sahara Africa. The economic picture is insufficient to drive a commercial seed industry that can develop distribute and support improved seed products. Common practice dictates that seed be saved and replanted season after season. As you move closer to the equator farmers enjoy two growing seasons per year. Some seed might be shared but seldom is it sold as is the case in western Africa. Improvements are made to local varieties and newer varieties are developed by international public sector breeding programs such as CGIAR the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi- Arid Tropics and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. Beyond the initial challenge of developing an improved variety the various CGIAR international plant breeding programs face other hurdles. In lesser-developed regions without a commercial seed sector how are farmers to become aware of the availability or potential of a given improved variety Typically partner networks must be painstakingly crafted within each country. Often these networks begin with the national minister of agriculture and include any existing national plant breeding or seed certification authorities. Fledgling seed companies might even be engaged. Even when these networks are established will farmers have the financial ability to acquire improved seed Out of such realities are born informal seed systems that disseminate improved seed. For example in Niger and Mali 20 to 35 candidate selections of improved open-pollinated varieties of sorghum and pearl millet are distributed each season to villages for entry into on-farm trials. Trials are coordi- nated through village leaders who then select 25 to 30 farmers to plant the trials. Each candidate selection is evaluated in the field for agronomic performance and the grain is evaluated within the community for culi- nary preference. Farmers are encouraged to save and plant seed from all the improved candidate selections. This is done irrespective of whether or not the selec- tion advances to the national level for official varietal registration. If farmers like the candidate seed they will save and replant this improved seed. Another example is in Uganda where the national plant breeder coordinates with emerging seed com- panies or farmer associations that are interested in receiving and multiplying officially recognized improved seed varieties. The seed company initially receives small quantities of foundation class seed and contracts individual members to produce certified seed. The certified seed is then sold by the farmer associations to members other farmers government subsidy programs and non-government organizations that supply planting seed to farmers. In Malawi discussions revealed success with the seed bank concept. Within six months 95 percent of farmer loans in one village had been repaid. The seed in seed bank relates to seed money for inputs such as fertilizer insecticide and seed. At the village level a micro-loan is obtained. Village leaders determine which farmers are serious about improving their ag enterprises and worthy farmers receive small loans. Loans can be paid back in-kind. The repayment factor is multiplied by two. So if one borrows 2 kilo- grams of groundnut seed from the seed bank he can repay the loan by returning 4 kilograms of groundnut seed. If you borrow to buy three chickens you owe six chickens. Its simple and appropriate SW DENNIS THOMPSON is dedicated to delivering solutions and empowering people and organiza- tions to solve complex problems related to international agricul- tural development and global food security. His career experience and international credentials include Extension educa- tion agronomy and administration. Informal but Functional INTERNATIONALAGRICULTURALDEVELOPMENT The SeedKOTE range of products is designed with seed enhancement in mind. Kannar Earth Science Ltd. 2220 Northmont Parkway Ste 250 Duluth GA 30096 Phone 678 475-1155 Fax 678 623-5849 www.KannarGroup.com GET STARTED TODAY To learn more about how Kannar SeedKOTE can help you enhance the true IP traits in your seed while offering superior dust control and flowability contact us at 678 475-1155. STANDOUT INTHECROWD.You have invested in your seeds genetic potential now boost it with the best possible seed coatings and enhancements. The Kannar SeedKOTE range of products is designed with seed enhancements in mind. Our micro-formulation technology makes our seed coatings superior in concentration and consistency. Kannar SeedKOTE products are suitable for use as a food use pesticide inert under 40 CFR 180.910 .920 .950 andor .960. Plus our seed coatings are fully compatible with all kinds of machines and methods commonly used in the seed enhancement industry. SeedKOTE - Visibly Different for Visible Results. 28 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 In the United States there are currently seven genetically- modified crops that are commercially available. These include corn soybeans cotton canola alfalfa sugar beets and papaya. A record 18 million farmers in 28 countries are growing biotech crops on 447 million acres. Stacked traits now occupy 28 percent of global biotech plantings. DURING THE FIRST week of July the White House issued a memorandum directing the Environmental Protection Agency the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture the three agencies with jurisdiction over biotechnology products to update the federal regulatory policy for ensuring the safety of biotech products. The focus of these efforts is on plants animals and microbes but not human drugs and medical devices. In general the FDA regulates the use of biotechnology products as food or food addi- tives EPA regulates the use of biotechnology products as pesticides or plant incorporated protectants and USDA regulates the release into the environment plants seeds and other regulated articles altered or produced through genetic engineering that are deemed to be a plant pest. As part of the memorandum the three agencies have been asked to update the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology develop a long-term strategy to ensure that the system is prepared for future biotechnology products and commission an After more than 20 years since the last update the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology undergoes a formal review and update. Julie Deering expert analysis of the future landscape of bio- technology products to support this effort. While the current regulatory system for biotechnology products effectively pro- tects health and the environment advances in science and technology since 1992 when the framework was last updated have been altering the product landscape writes John Holdren director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In addition the complexity of the array of regulations and guidance documents developed by the three federal agencies with jurisdiction over biotech- nology products can make it difficult for the public to understand how the safety of bio- technology products is evaluated and navigat- ing the regulatory process for these products can be unduly challenging especially for small companies. Industry Welcomes Review The Biotechnology Industry Organization commonly known as BIO welcomes the White House memorandum. BIO commends the White House for recognizing that coordina- BIOTECH REGULATORY REVIEW FAST STATS SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 29 tion between the agencies that oversee the approval of bio- tech products ... must be a priority to encourage innovation by improving transparency timeliness and predictability of the regulatory system says Matt OMara acting vice president of BIOs Food and Agriculture Section. According to BIO the coordinated framework has come under criticism in recent years for impeding the timely approval of much-needed and long-reviewed biotech products. However the organization reports that USDA has since implemented new processes to address the issue and similar efforts across all three agencies would prove increasingly beneficial. BIO supports a regulatory system that is timely predictable based upon the best available science and incorporates 20-plus years of experience with the technology OMara says. We look forward to reviewing the proposal in more detail and working with the administration moving forward. Holdren says the goal of this effort is to ensure public confidence in the regulatory system and improve transparency predictability coordination and ultimately efficiency of the bio- technology regulatory system. Under the Radar GE Crops Late last year Alan Bennett director of the Public Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture at the University of California Davis and colleagues submitted information to the editor of Nature Biotechnology highlighting technologies that did not require full assessment under the existing Coordinated Framework and calling for its reconsideration. In the correspondence Genetically engineered crops that fly under the U.S. regulatory radar Bennett cited that in recent years products emerging from the technology development pipeline are increasingly falling outside the scope of USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service regulations. The analysis highlights the incongruity of regulation that is based on process rather than product. The authors analyzed the 26 inquires that were made to USDA-APHIS during the past 20 years seeking a determination on regulatory status. They divided the inquiries into five catego- ries based on the final plant product transformation processes or the use of recently developed technologies. These categories were null segregants classic gene delivery systems cisgenics intragenics site-directed nucleases and miscellaneous. Of these 26 inquires only four were determined to be regulated. In their correspondence the authors wrote The fact that the U.S. Coordinated Framework is on the one hand failing to over- see these new product types and on the other overregulating GE crops and technologies with proven track records of safety should be a cause for concern. The United States remains the only country with a case history of challenges and determina- tions on the regulatory status of crops modified using modern technologies and genetic elements. The authors argue that a rational science-based regulatory system should not regulate products based on null segregants because they contain no genetic modification. Similarly they say products generated by site-directed nucleases should not be regulated because they use the natural DNA repair and replication enzymes found in living organisms and result in changes that could be a result of conventional breeding. It is time to build a system of oversight that is product- and science-based the authors wrote. This system should have enough flexibility to evolve with accumulating scientific knowl- edge and new technologies and importantly allow the partici- pation of small companies and public sector institutions to fulfill the range of innovation needed to sustainably meet the next decades agricultural needs. While the end product is yet to be seen and much work has to be done this gives industry an opportunity to educate others about the new breeding techniques being used today and expand the Coordinated Framework with input being gathered from stakeholders and the public. As part of the process to update the Coordinated Framework three public engagement sessions will be held during the next year with the first one to be held in the fall in Washington D.C. Additionally there will be a public notice and comment period before the updated Coordinated Framework is finalized. Stay tuned to SeedWorld.com as the editorial team will follow the process on updating the Coordinated Framework. SW WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM THE COORDINATED FRAMEWORK REVIEW First the administration has asked the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine to conduct an outside independent analysis of the future landscape of the products of biotechnology. Due to the rapidly changing landscape the memorandum calls for an external analysis at least every five years. Second after gathering public input the administration will update the Coordinated Framework to include clearly defined roles and responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Agency Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration in the process. This update is suppose to help clarify which biotechnology product areas are within the authority and responsibility of each agency and outline how the agencies work together to regulate products that may fall under the authorities of multiple agencies. Third to ensure that the federal regulatory system is well-equipped to assess any risks associated with the future products of biotechnology the administration will develop a long-term strategy. This will include performing periodic horizon-scanning of new biotech products coordinating support for the science that informs regulatory activities developing tools to assist small businesses as they navigate the regulatory system and create user-friendly digital tools for presenting the agencies authorities practices and basis for decision-making. WHEREON THE WEB For an expanded version of this article with comments from company representatives visit SeedWorld.comBiotech-Regulatory-Review. 30 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 S AMANTHA SISK DOESNT remember a time when she didnt feel connected to agriculture. Growing up in rural Danville Ind. and participating in the National FFA Organization and 4-H cemented her decision that she had found her calling. I was a 10-year 4-H member showing cattle and pigs recalls Sisk. Additionally I was active in the Danville FFA chapter and participated in career develop- ment events such as public speaking parliamentary pro- cedure and the essay contest. The continued support of my parents my small-town upbringing and involvement in so many activities helped to establish the foundation that would encourage me well into the future. After earning a degree in 2010 from Purdue Universitys College of Agriculture in agricultural communication which she says provided a perfect balance between my interests in communication writing speaking and design and my passion for agriculture Sisk held various ag-related positions. She served as an intern with the Indiana Beef Cattle Association Indiana Pork DuPont Pioneer and as a marketing specialist for AgriGold. Today Sisk is corporate communications manager for AgReliant Genetics LLC the third largest corn seed company in the U.S. which is headquartered in Westfield Ind. She was recently named 2015 Future Giant of the industry by Seed World at the American Seed Trade Associations 132nd Annual Convention in Washington D.C. in June. The award recognizes an early career individual who demonstrates the ability to make a significant impact on the seed industry. Nominations were judged by Seed Worlds editorial board and based on leadership industry involvement and success in their area of specialty. To me it affirms that the steps that Ive taken so far have been in the right direction says Sisk who feels both honored and humbled to receive this award. I hope I was selected because others have faith that my continued pursuit of progress will further advance the industry to which so many have dedicated their lives. Tom Koch vice president of research at AgReliant Genetics certainly thinks so. As one of Sisks nomi- nators he says Although its still early in her career Samantha has shown a true love and dedication for The 2015 Future Giant of the industry award recipient credits her agriculture career to many mentors including her professors coworkers and family. the seed industry and its people. Her passion for our company the seed industry and agriculture in general is very evident. She simply deserves the recognition. While many awards give proper recognition for past achievements and efforts Koch says This is one of the few that reward not only current hard work and dedica- tion but also recognize future potential for contribu- tion. Samantha has the potential to positively impact and even change the seed industry. Not many have the company CEOs ear and attention when speaking as Samantha does even when so early in her career. None of this comes as a surprise to Tracie Egger assistant director of academic programs at Purdue University and another of Sisks nominators for this prestigious award. There is nothing more rewarding for me than to see my former students achieve their goals and be recognized for the amazing qualities I know they pos- sess Egger says. Samantha served as an ag ambas- sador for three years and helped me immensely with different events and at numerous prospective student recruitment activities. She also took part in the College of Agriculture Leadership Development Certificate Program and traveled on an industry immersion trip that I led to the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston Iowa. LISA KOPOCHINSKI is a veteran journalist with 20-plus years of experience writing about everything from transportation and technology to agriculture and issues. She resides in Sacramento Calif. Meet Future Giant Samantha Sisk Ramon Molinary Puerto Rico station manager Harry Brokish AgReliant Research Tom Koch vice president of Research and Samantha Sisk corporate communications managertour the companys Puerto Rico research station. 1.800.418.9461 convey-all.com INNOVATIVE QUALITY SOLUTIONS Dealer Enquiries Welcome Looking for reliable equipment for your agribusiness Check out our extensive line of Short Transfer Conveyors Transloaders Fieldloaders Paddle Belt Conveyors Large Harvest Conveyors We have the model to t your requirements. We also produce an extensive line of Seed Tenders Commercial Seed Tenders Visit CONVEY-ALL.COM to read testimonials of the quality and eciency that our products can add to your operation. We realize the marketplace is competitive and in this day of technology the value that we can add to your operation is our commitment to your satisfaction. Contact your local dealer and ask them about Convey-All. 32 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Varied Responsibilities As corporate communications manager at AgReliant Sisk is responsible for both internal and external communications. She edits the company newsletter assists in event preparation develops internal presentations and material and has various photography assignments among other tasks. I collaborate frequently with the corporate marketing and brand marketing teams to help improve our business she says. Im responsible for maintaining the companys website over- seeing social media content writing press releases facilitating media interviews and other public relations functions. Sisk says every day at the office is a little bit different and depending on the time of year days in the office can be few and far between. Ive had the opportunity to travel to our many research pro- duction and brand locations to meetings she says. Ive also been fortunate enough to visit our counter-season growing locations in South America and one of our parent companies in Europe. Whether its creating a presentation proofreading an article or working with our many industry partners the cross-depart- mental nature of my role is always dynamic and challenging. Kathy Mayberry general counsel for AgReliant Genetics and another nominator of Sisk for the award says Sisk plays an important role in shaping the companys communications plans. Samantha brings out the best in all of us through her unique combination of technical skills and practical good judgment Mayberry says.We have come to depend on her intuitive under- standing of our customers and other seed industry professionals. Sisk was photographing mechanical detasselling with the AgReliant Genetics production team when a team member snapped this photo. Precision Agriculture Starts With The Seed OPTICOUNT LAB PROVIDES Congurations for Soy Corn Wheat FlowerVeg Others Recipe-based setup for rapid changeover Integrated bench scale interface Image and data archiving Also available in fully automated OptiCount OnLine 804-514-9189 processvis.com 281-276-3600 satake-usa.com LAB Counting is fast and reliable with visual verication. OptiCount provides seed-by-seed size shape and color analysis giving you count and data output in less than 30 seconds. PROCESS V I S I O N S E E D S O L U T I O N S Backlit Count Measure Data Color SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 33 Sisk is also heavily involved in the Future Seed Executives FuSE a subcommittee of ASTAs Management Skills Committee. FuSE provides a unique opportunity for those with seven years or less of experience in the industry to build a net- work and learn more about the seed business. Additionally she is a member of the recently formed ASTA Communications Committee which is comprised of repre- sentatives from more than 20 member companies all with the common goal of developing and implementing key messages on behalf of the industry. ASTA President Andy LaVigne has watched her grow through her work at AgReliant and in her leadership positions within FuSE. There are two things about Sam that stand out for me he says. She always has a smile on her face and she is a good listener.She will take in a great deal of information and provide comments only after shes analyzed the options thoroughly. I can see her leading a company in this industry or serving as a future chair of ASTA. And if that werent enough Sisk is also involved with the Mid-America chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association calling it a great opportunity to learn from others in the ag industry specifically from a marketing and communi- cations perspective. Its important to stay on top of the current and emerging trends in the industry and NAMA facilitates some great year-round webinars and meetings to help stay informed and relevant she says. Whats Next As for the future of the seed industry Sisk says with the major- ity of consumers being distantly removed from the farm and a major disconnect between growers and end-users it is more important than ever for the industry to get its word out. Industry members and farmers alike need to be carrying a unified and consistent message to consumers conveying the science and precision addressing the misunderstandings and providing more insight into the process of getting products from the farm to the families that consume them Sisk says. She adds that technology will play an even larger role as the seed industry continues to use and develop new technologies. But we will do so with an increased transparency that will be critical in the short-term with the ongoing mission of con- tinuous seed improvement and innovation that will feed and fuel the growing population Sisk says. SW USC LLC. 866.729.1623 www.USCLLC.com The Most Advanced Seed Treaters USC designs engineers manufactures and installs the most advanced custom seed treating equipment and bulk seed systems. According to a recent survey 64 of ag retailers now operate USC equipment in their seed treatment facilities. LPV TREATER Watch USC Products In Action 3 proven weighing methods Standard 42 tilting drum More intuitive automation Adjustable chamber controls Each year the Future Giants of the seed industry award given by Seed Word in partnership with the American Seed Trade Associations Future Seed Executives seeks to recognize an outstanding early career individual who demonstrates leadership within the industry and shows the ability to make a significant contribution to the industry. Learn more about other Future Giants online at SeedWorld.comleadershipfuture-giants WEBWHERE ONTHE Confirming Seed Orders STRATEGY A featured segment designed to share business- critical information to seed-selling professionals. Visit SeedWorld.com to download this department and other tools to help you sell seed to farmers. Advancing Seed Coatings and Polymers With the increased demands being place on the seed this niche sector of the industry is set for rapid growth. 34 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 MORE AND MORE seed is seen as the delivery mecha- nism for plant growth stimu- lants and active ingredients that help protect plants from insect disease and fungal pressures. As more inputs are added to the seed it drives innovation in seed coatings and polymers to keep it all together on the seed. In exploring the advance- ments being made in the area of polymers and seed coatings its important to understand the terminology. Bob Legro who serves as INCOTEC Group BV director for research and development explains that when the seed industry talks about treated seed the common under- standing is that seed is treated with a crop protectant. With headquarters in the Netherlands INCOTEC serves the global market with seed enhancement technologies that maximize seed performance. These include upgrading priming disinfection film coating encrusting and pel- leting applying additives and analytical quality testing. Legro defines a seed coating as the formulation thats layered on the seed. He explains that theres film coating which is common practice for field crops encrusting which is a minimal change of the shape and size of the seed to make it easier for handling and planting and pelleting which is a more substantial form of layering to make the seed more round for mostly mechanical planting. In the seed industry the film coating formulation excluding the active ingredi- ents and biostimulants is often referred to as the polymer. Yet as Legro defines it techni- cally speaking a polymer is the binding component in the film coating formulation. Another company thats a key player when it comes to functional seed coatings and polymer technologies is BASF. Seed coatings keep active ingredients and other inputs on the seed and therefore maximize the productivity of the seed and seedling active ingredients says Eda Reinot BASF Seed Solutions direc- tor of research and develop- ment within the Functional Crop Care business unit. It has to be held together on the seed while enabling seed flow through the treatment process and seed plantability. Seed is valuable and so are the applied technologies. Reinot explains that BASF seed coatings have complex compositions that are spe- cifically designed formulated and tailored to meet the needs of specific customers. A polymer she says is a component of a seed coating but it alone would not deliver the functionality needed. Performance Matters Polymers help in multiple ways says Palle Pedersen head of product marketing at Syngenta Seedcare. Polymers help active ingre- dients stay on the seed but its important to note that if the seed hasnt been condi- tioned very well meaning there is lots of dust on the seed from the seed itself the polymers become ineffective and the active ingredients wont stick well to the seed. Effective polymers enable precision planting at the field level making every seed count. PHOTOSYNGENTA. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 35 Its like sticking a piece of tape to a dusty shirt it wont stick very well because the tape cant adhere to the material. Seed is the same way. If we dont have effec- tively conditioned seed the treatment wont stick. Even though we have excellent polymers that step is critical. Pedersen says that poly- mers help to decrease abra- sion and dust but also help to increase the flowability and plantability of the seed. Pedersen adds that polymers need to perform flowability and plantability the same across environmen- tal conditions be it hot and humid cool and damp or dry to get consistent seed drop. Reinot says that improve- ments to coatings and poly- mers ease handling for both seed dealers and farmers and enable precision planting. If the seed doesnt flow properly through the planter farmers will see skips and doubles she says noting thats not making every seed count. For a crop such as corn that has a high correlation of seed rate to yield flowability is everything Pedersen says. In the quest to improve yields companies must also be conscious of the environ- ment and strive to improve sustainability. On this front dust from the planting of treated seed can be an issue. With regard to abrasion and dust-off we want our active ingredients to stick on the seed Pedersen says. Thats what farmers are paying for. If it doesnt stick it can decrease the efficacy. At INCOTEC the team is focused on reducing abrasion and dust-off and improving flowability. We need to have good flow at all levels from treat- ment to bagging or packaging and seeding Legro says. But its not just product performance thats hurt when the seed coating and polymers dont keep everything on the seed. Certain studies indicate that dust from neonicotinoid treated seed can be harmful to nearby pollinators. Couple the demands of reducing dust-off with the need to add more ingredients to the seed and the challenge for the seed coatings sector only escalates. The seed industry faces increasing pressure from regulatory bodies especially regarding the use and safety of chemicals Legro says. Theres consumer pressure to use fewer chemicals and find more sustainable solutions therefore we are constantly looking for other solutions. We have to change coatings very fast to address these demands. Reinot agrees. The real estate on seed is limited its We have to ensure that the seed coatings we develop are compatible with classical chemistries and biologicals and that they are compatible during the application process and once theyre on the seed. Eda Reinot Bob Legro serves as INCOTEC Group BV director for research and development. 36 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 a very defined surface area that you have to work with she says. To allow more surface area for active ingredi- ents fungicide inoculants and biostimulants we are looking at ways to lower the applica- tion rate of our product while maintaining and improving its efficacy. One of the ingredients thats shown tremendous growth in recent years is the area of seed applied bio- logicals. Legro shares that the increasing number of actives and biologicals requires new developments and modifica- tions to the existing coatings. These need to be able to live on the seed and grow and develop with the young plant says INCOTECs Legro. As such we have to be aware of the interaction between the active ingredients and biostimulants. How do we design protocols to reduce negative interactions so all actives and biostimulants work in the most optimal way For a company like ours we are not selling active ingredients or biostimulants we sell the application tech- nology including the carrier ingredients polymers. Its a priority that the carrier doesnt negatively affect germination. We work with highly selected materials that are safe for seed and everything goes through a multi-year evalua- tion process. A good coating should not affect seed germi- nation and healthy seedling emergence. Reinot says this is some- thing her laboratory team pays close attention to early on in the research phase. We have to ensure that the seed coatings we develop are compatible with classical chemistries and biologicals and that they are compatible during the application process and once theyre on the seed Reinot explains. Up to The Challenge Companies continue to invest in new product discovery. We have more than 85 people working in research and devel- opment around the world and are continuously working on optimizing and customizing corn and soybean coatings for North America Argentina Brazil and China Legro says. We are working on new generation formulations that out perform anything on the market. While Syngenta doesnt directly develop or sell polymers it is working with companies such as BASF INCOTEC and others to make sure that polymers work best with their seed treatment formulations. And BASF is gearing up to launch a new coatings prod- uct later this year. It will be a new category in the space Reinot shares. life was relatively easy Legro says. We had a limited port- folio of different coatings that would fulfill all our customers requirements but as demand has increased we really have to go much deeper into understanding coatings and how they work with seed and active ingredients. As a result INCOTEC has expanded its research team and plans to continue growth in that area. We are conducting more extensive research to Its important for polymers to perform the same across environments says Palle Pedersen Syngenta Seedcare head of product marketing. With our best in class tech- nology we continue to break ground in seed coatings and this new product will show agronomic influence and ben- efits to the seed. The experts agree that the science and technology behind seed coatings and polymers has rapidly evolved during the past five to 10 years creating more complex- ity among offerings. If you go back to when film coating was just starting 1.4 billion is the expected value of the seed coatings market by 2019 according to Markets and Markets Inc. 8.1 percent is the compound annual growth rate of the seed coatings market in the United States through 2019. 9 percent is the compound annual growth rate of the seed coatings market in France through 2019. FAST STATS SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 37 better understand flowabil- ity dust abrasion appear- ance as well as interactions with active ingredients and biostimulants Legro explains. Industry demands far more advanced seed coating tech- nology characteristics than 10 or 15 years ago. Its not just the product portfolio thats evolved Pedersen adds that the tech- nology has changed. The use rates and reduc- tion of dust has improved significantly since we first started planting treated seed Pedersen says. Companies are changing and improving products across the whole seed treatment industry and polymers are one of them. Pedersen compares the improvement in dust reduc- tion from seed treatments during the past five to 10 years to that of the automobile industry increasing miles per gallon on newer vehicles when it comes to fuel efficiency. Forging the Future Coatings and polymers are here to stay and increasing in use. Use is expanding in mar- kets all over the world. The application of this technology will be highly driven by regulatory policies Legro says noting that there will be shifts in how they are packaged. For example he says film coating will need to be for use. In the future Legro antici- pates that higher loading rates will demand more space on the seed. He explains that encrusting is already being used on seeds such as sun- flowers which are undersized. In the near future encrusting will enable significant stacking of multiple active ingredients onto the seed. Additionally the higher levels of application will demand the need for seed drying. Well see more and more application technol- ogy come onto the market Legro adds. And more active ingredients and biologicals will continue to drive changes in formulation. BASFs Reinot says that the seed treatment industry as a whole combining crop protectants with seed applied technologies or seed enhance- ments continues to grow as the technologies evolve. Were elevating the value of seed and keeping all the ingredients on the seed maximizes the genetic potential of seed. She says as long as seed is on the market the seed coatings sector will continue to grow. Reinots expectations align with the latest report from Markets and Markets Inc. According to a September 2014 report on seed coatings from Markets and Markets the existing seed coatings market is valued at 993.84 million and is projected to reach 1.4 billion by 2019 growing at a com- pound annual growth rate of 7.5 percent from 2014 to 2019. The market is growing steadily due to the increasing importance of seed technol- ogy the reports authors wrote. The market demand for progressive multifunctional seed technologies to avert the decreasing acreage and to increase seed performance is one of the driving factors of the market. Polymers are the major contributors toward performance enhancements of coatings materials. They also dominated the seed coating materials market followed by colorants and binders in 2014. North America and Europe are the top-two consumers of seed coating materials in the world. U.S. and France are key countries in North American and European regions respec- tively and these countries are growing with CAGRs of 8.1 percent and 9 percent from 2014-2019. Some developing countries such as China India and Brazil are also growing at a rapid pace because of the rising domestic demand and industrialization. Pedersen reminds us that the seed treatment industry as we know it today is not that old despite the fact that seed treatment has been used for thousands of years. Its rapidly changing and helps farmers to maxi- mize yield by planting early despite cool and wet soils reduced tillage practices while thereby reducing granular infurrow and foliar applications Pedersen says noting that he expects the industry will continue to evolve. There will be new technologies to come that we havent even seen or thought of yet that will benefit both industry and growers. SW 38 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 At its annual meeting the National Association of Plant Breeders unveiled a new strategic plan voted on a position statement and announced continuing education opportunities. The association covered a great deal of ground too much to include everything here but you can get the highlights here. Julie Deering AT THIS YEARS fifth annual meeting of the National Association of Plant Breeders which was held in conjunction with the Plant Breeding Coordinating Committees ninth annual meeting more than 225 plant breeders from around the world came together in Pullman Wash. to share research discuss industry issues and network. The theme of this years meeting was Identifying and Utilizing Genetic Diversity. Through the sessions and research presented participants saw examples of how increasing the diversity of crops and the genetic diversity within crops can mitigate risk says David Francis NAPB president and a professor of horticulture and crop science at The Ohio State University. We heard many examples of how teams of agricultural scien- tists including plant breeders worked together to introduce new rotational crops develop plant-based soil conservation strategies and improve existing crops Francis shares. One of the issues thats been a concern across the industry is how new breeding techniques will be handled in the regulatory process. Meeting attendees learned about the American Seed Plant Breeders Positioned for the Future 40 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Trade Associations position paper Promoting Innovation in Seed and Crop Plant Development. The NAPB Advocacy Committee discussed the ASTA position paper and endorsed it. The com- mittee specifically highlighted the need for uni- form science-based standards for regulating new technology to maintain the genetic improvement of food feed fiber shelter and greenspace while protecting the environment and ensuring food security. Such technologies should be size neutral and available to public breeders and other public scientists. NAPB felt that the principles articulated in ASTAs paper should be extended to vegetatively propagated crops. The NAPB membership voted and passed the Advocacy Committees motion to endorse the ASTA position paper. HONORING EXCEPTIONALISM 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award This award recognizes an individual who has given distinguished long-term service to the plant breeding discipline through research teaching Extension outreach and leadership. P. Stephen Baenziger Nebraska Wheat Growers Presidential Chair University of Nebraska Lincoln is the recipient of the 2015 NAPB Lifetime Achievement Award. Baenziger joined the University of Nebraska faculty in 1986 after holding positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Monsanto. His wheat breeding program has focused on improving yield quality for bread and noodles disease resistance and drought tolerance. Baenziger has used every tool available including genomics-based technologies and cytogenetics to develop varieties to meet the world food demands in a sustainable way. He has developed and released 35 wheat varieties which are grown on more than 60 percent of the Nebraska wheat acres and is credited with boosting the income of Nebraska farmers by 71 million. In 2013 his winter wheat varieties were recognized by the Wheat Quality Council as Best in Show for exhibiting the highest quality. In addition to wheat Baenziger has released six barley and four triticale cultivars. Furthermore Baenziger has trained more than 50 students who have gone on to achieve greatness and wield influence across the globe. He has held numerous leadership positions including president of Crop Science Society of America in 2003 board of trustee member for the International Rice Research Institute from 2010 to 2015 and first chair of the Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee in 2007. He sets the standard for this generation of public and private plant breeders. 2015 Impact Award The NAPB Impact Award recognizes an individual who has made significant advancements in the field of plant breeding specifically in the area of applied variety andor technology development. Rex Bernardo professor and Endowed Chair in corn breeding and genetics at the University of Minnesota is recognized with the 2015 NAPB Impact Award. After holding positions at Limagrain Genetics and Purdue University Bernardo joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 2000. Recognizing that virtually all corn hybrids in the United States are developed by the seed industry he chose to focus on contributions to breeding methods and the development of best practices for application of genomics-based technologies. He pioneered work on Best Linear Unbiased Prediction BLUP in plants testing strategies to employ early generation testing and breeding strategies for use with doubled haploidy and genomic selection. He has authored more than 90 referred publications a number of which are seminal articles on hot topics in plant breeding applications. Bernardo literally wrote the book on breeding for quantitative traits in plants releasing two textbooks which are widely used in plant breeding. In addition he is a visionary leader in modern quantitative genetics. Bernardo has been a catalyst for change influencing the application of new technologies in a powerful way. maize_canada Plant breeders need legal certainty in public policies. ASTA napb2015 The position paper outlines five principles for government policies. These principles include Government policies should be science and risk-based predictable and promote innova- tion and advancements in breeding. Government policies should acknowledge cur- rent seed regulations and standard breeding practices that establish the current high standards for seed product integrity and varietal purity to meet customer needs and the demands of the market place. Governments should not differentially regulate products developed through the precision breeding tools that are similar to or indistin- guishable from products resulting from more traditional breeding tools since such similar products are not likely to pose different risks. Regulation and oversight if needed should be based on sound scientific principles and proportional to the degree to which the prod- uct presents new potential safety concerns to the environment or foodfeed chain and not based on the breeding process by which it was produced. Small changes to plant genomes such as those occurring through traditional breeding and evolution need to be viewed in light of the inherent diversity in plant genomes as well as the long successful history of plant breeding and its exceptional record of safety. Governments should avoid creating trade barriers or disruptions due to non-harmonious policies and practices. To read the full position paper visit amseed. orgpdfsissuesinnovation-and-policypromoting- innovation-in-seed-and-crop-development.pdf. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 41 CALL TODAY toll-free in the U.S.866-535-9303 HUSKER ROLLS Precision Fit For Major Husker Brands HUGHES YOUR STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR Food Processing Equipment and Replacement Parts Hughes Husker Manufacturing and TechnologyInnovationSince1961 hughesequipment.com COUNT ON HUGHES EQUIPMENT for the perfect hand-off. Readily available husker rolls to keep your sweet and seed corn huskers running cost effectively and at peak performance. o Spiral Rolls Maxi Rolls Low Profile Rolls High Profile Rolls o Select rolls available with and without cutting blades SEE MORE ONLINE AT hughesequipment.comhusker-rolls 42 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 HONORING EXCEPTIONALISM CONTINUED 2015 Early Career Award This award recognizes a public or private sector scientist who is in the early stages of their career and active in the plant breeding field. This individual exhibits the ability to establish strong research foundations interacts with multi-disciplinary teams and participates in professional societies relevant to their discipline. Jennifer Yates global soybean breeding agronomic traits lead at Monsanto was recognized with the 2015 NAPB Early Career Award. After earning her doctorate in 2006 Yates went to work for Monsanto as a soybean breeder in Galena Md. She is credited with developing or co-developing 86 soybean varieties in maturity groups 3 and 5 during the transition to the Roundup Ready 2 Yield platform facilitating sales of 1 billion. Yates also established a protocol for marker-assisted selection and implemented changes to proprietary marker-tracking software. Her work in marker development and trait mapping led to 5 marker-related patents. Yates has earned several internal awards for her accomplishments that include the development of a pollen preservation technique and elucidating the role of the rhg1 paralog in conferring soybean cyst nematode resistance. In 2011 she stepped into her current role which involved responsibility for soybean disease and abiotic stress pipeline screening and discovery in the United States Argentina and Brazil. Her team is engaged in the prescriptive agricultural space facilitating early selection for resistance to new pathogens to enable growers to produce soybeans in a more sustainable way. Additionally she coordinates Monsantos internship educational program for post graduates and mentors other female scientists in crop improvement. Student Poster Awards Planning for the Future Not only did meeting participants vote on the position of how new plant breeding technologies should be handled by government policies but they also learned about the new joint strategic plan for NAPB and PBCC which was presented by Barry Tillman NAPB past president. Tillman explains that the process for coming up with the strategic plan began in 2014 and included a group of both public and private sector plant breeders. A consultant was brought in to help facilitate the exchange of ideas and keep the group moving in a forward direction. WHEREON THE WEB Seed World had the opportunity to sit down with several industry leaders while at the 2015 NAPB and PBCC annual meeting. You can listen in to what they had to say about industry issues in our Giant Views video series at SeedWorld.com. PBSint Impressive presentation of Maria Salas Fernandez sorghum breeding programme at Iowa State esp using novel technology to evaluate. napb2015 The strategic plan outlines short-term 5 years and long-term 10 to 15 years goals and identifies an action plan with the initial steps for achieving those goals Tillman explains. Additionally he says the plan clarifies the roles and operations of NAPB and PBCC while increasing the organizations ability to think and manage strategically as an ongoing process. The mission of NAPB is to strengthen plant breeding to promote food security quality of life and a sustainable future Tillman says. We will work collectively to fulfill that mission by helping to create a future in which strong public and private sectors work independently and together to deliver varieties and improved germplasm to society. Well work to ensure that the value and importance of plant breeding to food security quality of life and a sustainable future are known and appreciated by the public. Furthermore our efforts will cement that plant breeding is viewed as a dynamic problem solving and creative pro- fession. NAPB intends to become a recognized and valued advocate for plant breeding research and education helping to guide and implement a cohesive national plant breeding agenda. From the strategic planning process Tillman outlined six goals set forth by the association 1. Increase support for plant breeding among decision-makers in the public and private sectors. 2. Increase public and private support for cultivar development and germplasm improvement in public institutions. 3. Strengthen education for plant breeding professionals at all levels of experience. 4. Increase public awareness of plant breeding and what it contributes to the public good. Student Oral Awards First place is James Heilig of Michigan State University second place is Kathleen Russell of University of Kentucky and third place is Jozer Mangandi of University of Florida. First place David Eickholt North Carolina State University Second place Andrea Varella Montana State University Third place Paul Sandefur Washington State University 5. Strengthen and increase the value provided to members. 6. Strengthen the NAPB organization. To view the strategic plan as it was presented at the 2015 annual NAPB and PBCC meeting visit plantbreeding.orgfilesnapb2015-strategic-plan- ning-presentation.pdf. SW Thanks to our Sponsors For making the 2015 National Association of Plant Breeders Meeting possible. 27-30 July 2015WSU PullmanWashington Plant Breeding Coordinating Commitee Diamond Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Master of Science in Plant Breeding - Online Option 44 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 ONE OF THE MOST prominent professors to be hit with the Freedom of Information Act request is the University of Floridas Kevin Folta a professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department. Folta is also an author on GMOAnswers.com and is an advocate of science. The U.S. Right to Know USRTK organiza- tion filed the request late January saying that it seeks to understand the dynamics between the agrichemical industrys PR efforts and the public university faculty who sometimes are its public face. USRTK is a new nonprofit food organization that investigates and reports on food companies. We taxpayers deserve to know the details about when our taxpayer-paid employees front for private corporations and their slick PR firms says Gary Ruskin executive director of U.S. Right to Know. Its important to note that Ruskin led the charge on Proposition 37 in California for the mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods which failed when it was sent to voters. Folta was one of 14 university scientists from the University of Nebraska to the University of California Davis and the University of Illinois targeted by the USRTK. The group requested the professorsresearchers turn over their email corre- spondence with agribusinesses trade groups and public relations agencies. This is troubling news for academic scientists says Karl Haro von Mogel a research geneticist at the University of Wisconsin. These FOIA requests risk violating academic freedom and having a silencing effect on scientist-communicators who fear becoming political targets. Through the university Folta has since turned over three years worth of email. Not long after sto- ries on the PLoS One blog started rolling out about Foltas so-called connections to big ag. My central fear was not revealing incriminating or proprietary information as the activities of a professor in a Horticultural Sciences Department arent terribly exciting Folta says. I was comfortable with university I.T. pulling three years of email from university servers. However I had one suspicious fear that this venture was nothing more than a way for activists to spin my state- ments and manufacture devious and defamatory narratives. Despite the increased scrutiny Folta says as scientists we need voice our outrage about such tactics. More importantly as scientists we all need to better connect with the public in the pop-controversial areas of science. We must be conversant in the consensus syntheses of climate change vaccines and transgenic crop technology. We all need to actively integrate into the sciencesociety interface teaching and interpreting the scholarly literature. We must be honest communicating the strengths and weaknesses risks and benefits to maintain and expand public trust. According to a report Freedom to Bully from the Union for Concerned Scientists open records laws are increasingly being used as a weapon against researchers whose work threatens private interests. An onslaught of Freedom of Information Act requests filed by an organization that opposes genetically modified organisms leaves public scientists scrambling to prove they have nothing to hide and consumes their time. Julie Deering Information Requests Seek to Silence University Researchers Targeted for his outreach initiatives on communicating science specifically GMOs Kevin Folta was required to disclose three years of emails to an opposition group. PHOTOUFIFASTYLERJONES. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 45 Batco Belt Conveyors minimize impact damage protecting the grade quality and germination performance of your delicate seed. Batco manufactures Long Conveyors and Field Loaders as well as Low Profile Transfers Pit Stops and custom conveyor options. Handling whats important. 877.667.7421 batcomfg.com MINIMUM DAMAGE MAXIMUM GERMINATION In its report the union says these types of FOIA requests compromise academic freedom and the exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. The use of open records laws to harass researchers emerged with the growing use of electronic com- munications the authors write. Conversations that use to take place over the phone or in person are now conducted by email a format that leaves a permanent record. When these email discussion are made public through records requests the privacy that aca- demics have long enjoyed in discussions with colleagues is compromised. This can have a chilling effect on the frank exchange of ideas and con- structive criticism a crucial part of the scientific process. Additionally the authors say the abuse of open records requests also hinders researchers simply by hijacking their schedule. Complying with requests may take dozens or even hundreds of hours of researchers time putting their real work on hold or on the back burner for a long while reports the Union for Concerned Scientists. This may often be the main purpose of such requests. In its report the Union for Concerned Scientists calls for a measured approach to open records with a more discrete definition of which requests serve the public good and which do not. Petition Supports Scientists In response to the USRTKs filing of more than 14 Freedom of Information Act requests the Cornell Alliance for Science wrote a letter of support to the scientists. This letter has become an online petition of sorts with more than 1000 signatures. The letter reads To the 14 public sector scientists who are being harassed by agenda-driven anti- science FOIA requests I stand with you. This is a tactic taken directly from the climate deniers handbook to mislead the public on an issue of clear scientific consensus with personal communications taken out of context. You were targeted because of your engagement with the public on key scientific issues and I dont want your voice to be silenced. This is the latest step in a broader anti-science campaign that is hurting our society. The Freedom of Information Act is essential for a healthy democracy but this request is not in the public interest. This request is clearly a witch-hunt by an anti- science organization with the goal of chilling academic discourse. I stand with the 14 targeted scientists and urge them to stand up for academic freedom and the protection of scientific discourse. I urge you to stay strong in the face of anti-science bullying and not compromise your important work. The Cornell Alliance for Science seeks to promote access to scientific innovation as a means of enhancing food security improving environmental sustainability and raising the quality of life globally. SW WHEREON THE WEB This issue continues to evolve as the pressure mounts. You can listen to Kevin Folta on Talking Biotech at www.talkingbiotechpodcast.comp130. 46 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 FOUNDERSSERIES PART4OF6 THE SEED INDUSTRY is extremely diverse not just with respect to the crops offered but the many facets that must work together in synch for a future that rewards innovation ensures safety and overall leads to a better more socially responsible seed indus- try and thus a world where healthy nutritious food is affordable and abundant. These facets include policy and legal frameworks education and training oppor- tunities and the science of seed applied technologies just to name a few. Below are some of the outstanding individuals who have transformed these areas and helped to create a new seed era. Bernice Slutsky Few people have been as intimate in shaping the policy around plant technology and biotechnology as Bernice Slutsky. To sum it up shes been influencing policy and how biotech events are handled from the time they receive regulatory approval for commercial use to how regulatory approvals are to be handled andor maintained once an events patent expires. From policy to education there are a number of people who have devoted their careers to making the seed industry what it is today. In honor of its centennial celebration Seed World continues its series recognizing the seed industrys Top 100 most transformational people since 1915. Julie Deering and Brian Wallheimer PAVING THE WAY FOR NEW PLANT TECHNOLOGIES Working to bring about global conversations regarding new plant innovations Bernice Slutsky American Seed Trade Association vice president of domestic and international policy co-chairs the International Seed Federations Plant Breeding Innovation Working Group. Grow with Sensient Colors Sensient Colors is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of dyes pigments and polymers for seed coating solutions. The robust pallet of colorants offered by Sensient Colors complies with the inert ingredient regulations for seed coatings required by EPA regulation 40 CFR 180 does not contain APE and is GMO-free. Discover how Sensients seed coating colorants can differentiate your seed flow appearance and performance. 48 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 After earning a doctorate in biology from the University of Iowa in 1986 she worked at Plant Genetic Systems in Belgium and then Michigan States Plant Research Laboratory before packing her belongings and heading East for a job in the nations capitol with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Here she coordinated the working group to develop a policy for genetically engineered plants in the Office of Pesticide Programs. This was when the United States a few years prior had articulated gener- ally how it would regulate biotech products and gov- ernment agencies were just beginning to shape policy Slutsky recalls. The first commercial products were just down the road she says noting that there was an understanding and a realization that this technology genetic engi- neering was really going to have a huge impact on the ability to introduce new characteristics and traits in plants. The challenge was to create a policy that would facilitate innovation but work to ensure safety. It was a very exciting time but not without controversy. This is where science marries up with the applica- tion of policy and legal structure. Its the nexus of getting those pieces together and working in synch with each other. Much of the structure of the policies put together by the agencies at this point in time are still in place today. You cant always predict the future or where the science will go Slutsky says. We had to take the knowledge that we had and develop a policy that fit that knowledge. I think we did that. Fast forward about 20 years through a short stint in the pharmaceutical industry and two jobs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture one of which was senior advisor for biotechnology in the Office of the Secretary and Slutsky is working for the American Seed Trade Association. On behalf of ASTAs more than 700 members which range from large multinational companies to independent family-owned businesses selling every- thing from alfalfa seed to zucchini seed the senior vice president of domestic and international policy works on issues involving emerging technologies intellectual property rights and international regulation and trade. In terms of experience knowledge and success- ful advocacy on behalf of the American seed industry and the overall agricultural industry Bernice occupies a seat at a very exclusive table says Andy LaVigne ASTA president and CEO. Through the years Slutsky has worked tirelessly to promote coexistence and establish a low-level pres- ence policy in the U.S. as well as abroad. Most recently she helped lead the development of The Accord for the seed industry and its many stakeholders through- out the value chain. The Accord is a framework that we developed to provide a mechanism for that transition from propri- etary biotech events to off-patent or generic biotech events she says. The real driver for us developing the Accord was that even though these events are going off patent they are still highly regulated worldwide. The immediate goal Slutsky explains was to develop a frame- work that assures the necessary regulatory authorizations for the events are maintained and most importantly that commodity trade is not interrupted. At the beginning I wouldnt have predicted we are where we are today with the many different regulatory structures around the world Slutsky says as she prepares to help lead a global conversation about new breeding technologies. I think we are at a similar point in time now with these newer breeding methods as we were in the early 90s with genetic engineering. During the past six years sci- entists have sequenced pretty much every crop of significant economic value according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. We are seeing the advent of new precision breeding techniques such as gene editing which means researchers can more precisely create genetic variability Slutsky says. For example we can with great precision create a disease- resistant gene from a disease-sensi- tive gene. This too is a very exciting time she says but there is a great deal of uncertainty within the industry about how government policies will affect the ability to use these new precision techniques. They are relatively inex- pensive and available to university researchers as well as companies that might not have the resources to navigate the legal framework to bring a biotech product to market. Just this summer the White House issued a memorandum asking the three agencies the U.S. Department of Agriculture Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration that oversee biotechnology to review and update the Coordinated At the beginning I wouldnt have predicted we are where we are today with the many different regulatory structures around the world. I think we are at a similar point in time now with these newer breeding methods as we were in the early 90s with genetic engineering. Bernice Slutsky Career Highlights 1986 Earned a doctorate in biology from the University of Iowa. 1990 Coordinated the working group to develop policy for genetically engineered plants in the Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Pesticide Programs. 1997 Began working for the Department of Agricultures Foreign Agricultural Service as biotechnology coordinator of international trade policy. 2004 Served as senior advisor for biotechnology in the Office of the Secretary coordinating USDA policies and activities. 2006 Continues shaping policy around plant technology through the American Seed Trade Association. Grain Sorghum BMR Sorghum Sudangrass Forage Sorghum www.GaylandWardSeed.com 800-299-9273 Hereford Texas carsongaylandwardseed.com 50 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. Through Slutskys continued work ASTA and the seed industry will have a seat at the table. If we create an unnecessary regula- tory burden to use these products it will stifle innovation she says. I hope to take from my previous experience when I was in government and use it on behalf of industry and the International Seed Federation moving forward. Whatever we do in the United States cannot be done in a vacuum. At the very beginning we have to start reaching out to other governments so we can start coalescing around policy endpoints so we can bring new innovations to U.S. farm- ers and work to prevent asynchronous approvals. To help facilitate a global discussion Slutsky co-chairs ISFs Plant Breeding Innovation Working Group a part of the Breeders Committee and one of the fed- erations highest priorities. For those who have worked closely with Slutsky on various committees working groups or traveled internation- ally with her shes known to be quite the diplomat carefully navigating often very difficult conversations around complex multi-faceted issues. Slutsky says early in her career she learned an important lesson from Pat Roberts a member of EPAs general counsel Treat everyone with respect even if you dont agree with their posi- tion and that changes the nature of the discussion or negotiation. Respect is a fundamental component and thats what I always try to do Slutsky says. If you approach others be it gov- ernment or other parts of the industry with respect that respect will be returned but you have to approach negotiations with an open mind. You also have to be very open with people. Slutsky is very fond of ASTA and its members. In my time at ASTA Ive learned a great deal and made many friends she says. It truly is a wonderful industry and I enjoy working for the seed industry. For the betterment of the industry Slutsky shows no signs of slowing down as she continues her work at the nexus where science policy and legal frame- works intersect. Kent Bradford Seeing a need to invigorate the California seed industry the University of California Davis launched its Seed Biotechnology Center in 1999 with Kent Bradford as its director. Bradford who earned a doctor- ate in plant physiology in 1981 from the University of California Davis is still direc- tor and now a distinguished professor in the Department of Plant Sciences. Here he has led the charge for the center con- necting the research and expertise at the university with the surrounding cluster of seed businesses and serving as a scien- tific outreach vehicle in the state country and international communities. Through workshops and courses the Seed Biotechnology Center has kept more than 2000 professionals connected to the latest scientific advances that affect the seed industry. One of the most prominent is the Plant Breeding Academy which hosts workshops in the United States Asia Europe and Africa training seed industry personnel to become plant breeders and filling a shortfall in the pro- fession. In Africa the Plant Breeding Academy is working to sequence the genomes of more than 100 traditional African food crops to improve yields and nutrition in those foods. Bradford also co-founded Seed Central with Franois Korn founder and managing director at SeedQuest. Seed Centrals mission is to facilitate com- munication and research collaboration between the seed industry and university to help bring science to market faster. Bradford has been a Fulbright Scholar and in 2002 received the Seed Science Award from the Crop Science Society of America. Additionally he was named a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2003. Robert Chandler Jr. Much like the world today the years following World War II saw scientists searching for ways to feed a rapidly growing population. Asias population was expected to exceed its ability to grow enough food especially the staple rice. The answer was the International Rice Research Institute IRRI and the man to head that group was Robert Chandler Jr. Chandler earned a doctorate in pomology at the University of Maryland in 1934 and had already made a name for himself in academia. He had taught forest soils at Cornell University and from 1947 to 1954 he was at the University of New Hampshire where he served as dean and eventually president. In 1959 Chandler took on the task of leading IRRI rounding up prominent scientists to lead a portion of the Green Revolution. During his decade at IRRI several new rice varieties were devel- oped including Henry Beachells IR8 lauded as miracle rice. IRRI increased rice production by two-thirds in Asia outpacing population growth. Chandler became the founding direc- tor of the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center in Taiwan in 1972 helping develop vegetable varieties for the tropics including a heat-tolerant tomato. His work has been recognized with Indias Gold Medal Award 1966 Since 1999 Kent Bradford has served as director of the University of California Davis Seed Biotechnology Center helping to educate thousands of seed industry representatives and train scores of plant breeders around the world. 52 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 For a catalog call 303.431.7333 salesapplewoodseed.com applewoodseed.com Seeds of Wildflowers Garden Flowers Since 1965 Regional Special Use Custom Mixtures Hundreds of Species in Stock Pakistans Sitara-I-Imtiaz Award 1968 Indonesias Star of Merit and the Philippines Golden Heart Award 1972 and Chinas Order of the Brilliant Star 1975. In 1986 Chandler received the Presidential End Hunger Award and in 1988 he was named a World Food Prize Laureate. After his retirement Chandler continued working as a consultant to several organizations including the Rockefeller Foundation Ford Foundation Near East Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Chandler died in 1999 at the age of 91. At his memorial Norman Borlaug described Chandler as one of those pioneers whose boundless energy and enthusiasm and complete dedi- cation to a cause helped to make rice available for hundreds of millions of people in the developing world. Eda Reinot A pioneer in the development of new seed treatment technolo- gies such as inoculants biological fungicides and functional seed coatings Eda Reinot and her team are responsible for the crea- tion of market-leading products such as Vault HP Integral and Flo Rite that are available in the United States. Reinot started as a chemist in 1995 working for a small startup company known as Becker Underwood focusing on products for oilseed application. My role was specifically to develop for- mulas for colorants coatings and treatments she says. From 2001 to 2012 Reinot reported to Peter Innes who was a great mentor. He was and still is a true visionary in the segment of biologicals and looks for ways to deliver value to agriculture An innovator in seed applied technologies Eda Reinot serves as BASF director of research and development for Seed Solutions within the companys Functional Crop Care business unit. PHOTOBASF. Understanding Trichoderma takes a little digging . . . Rooted in superior genetics ABM has selected and developed strains that are unparalleled in the industry. It is critical to understand that our superior Trichoderma strains colonize roots. The good strains GROW and MULTIPLY greatly resulting in a bigger root mass and higher yields. Take a fresh new look at Trichoderma from our end of things and contact an ABM representative today. Get ready to grow more. Biological Enhancements for Agricultural Crops TechnologyiGETInduced Gene Expression Triggers An American Company Producing Global Results for Agriculture. TM SELECTION S TM SMART 54 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 in unconventional ways she says. Dr. Innes was very good at encouraging people around him to accelerate and knowing that challenges can be overcome its just a matter of finding a way. Never give up thats the lesson learned that I apply regardless of the challenges in my role today. Reinot served as quality controller and technical manager and was promoted to global head of research and development in 2002. Traditionally research and product development in this area had primarily focused on the application of single organisms such as rhizobia Reinot explains. We took it to another level by combining biologicals as building blocks and we developed a Biostacked approach to seed applied technologies. She believes that biologicals as seed applied technologies are very complementary to classical crop protectants because they provide different modes of action at different time frames. These technologies help farmers manage resistance and extend the window of plant protection to the seed and seedling Reinot adds. In 2012 Becker Underwood was acquired by BASF where Reinot serves as director of research and development for Seed Solutions within the companys Functional Crop Care business unit. Her energy and expertise go beyond that of individual companies. Reinot has served on the board of directors of the Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers since 2003 serving three years as president and the Biopesticide Industry Alliance since 2005 where she currently serves as vice chair. Reinot also serves on the International Seed Federations Seed Applied Technologies Committee. With the limited arable land available changing climate and increasing global population its a very important time in agricul- ture Reinot says. Seed is one of the most important factors in crop production and every seed counts. This ties together with our work efforts and innovations that we offer in helping agricul- ture provide the food feed fiber and fuel for humankind. Walter O. Scott Walter O. Scott so much epitomized the hard-working Extension specialist getting his hands dirty and working with local farmers to improve their crops that he earned the nick- name Mr. Soybean throughout Illinois. Earning a doctorate at Purdue University Scott started his career with the Kansas State University Extension Service in 1939 but was wooed away by the University of Illinois in 1946 where Scott stayed until his retirement in 1981. Never give up thats the lesson learned that I apply regardless of the challenges in my role today. Eda Reinot 56 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Responsible for writing much of Title V of the Plant Variety Protection Act of 1970 Walter O. Scott and his wife Elizabeth attended many meetings of the American Seed Trade Association of which they are pictured here in Washington D.C. In that time Scott became a force in the world of crop improvement. He was tireless in his work to show farmers how improved varieties could create higher-quality seeds. He became president of the International Crop Improvement Association in the late 1960s later renamed the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies. When Congress was writing the Plant Variety Protection Act of 1970 giving breeders exclusive control over new plant varieties for a certain period of time Scott was sought out as an expert on certified seed and wrote much of the laws Title V which allowed protected seed varieties to be sold as certified seed. That helped breeders retain the purity and high quality of their seeds. Scott co-authored Modern Soybean Production 1970 and Modern Corn Production 1982 bringing together science- based modern farming techniques for growers. When China opened its borders in the 1970s Scott was in a delegation sent to help the Chinese better grow soybeans. Scott was an elected fellow for the American Society of Agronomy the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Crop Science Society of America and he was active in the American Seed Trade Association. He received the University of Illinois College of Agricultures Funk Award the American Society of Agronomy Education Award the American Soybean Association Extension Education Award and was added to the Illinois Extension Advisers Association Hall of Fame. Scott died in 2001 at the age of 86. SW PHOTOJIMSHEARL. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 57 Tuesday September 29 1 p.m. EST. Learn From Leading Seed Industry Professionals Live Webinar Advanced Seed Coatings and Polymers PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN ABOUT Key factors driving the industry and hear the latest from sector leaders. Register Nowat seedworld.comwebinar This webinar is hosted by Seed World in partnership with our sponsors. 58 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 ASTA CONVENES ON CAPITOL HILL More than 300 members of the seed industry from those with internships to seasoned veterans met in Washington D.C. June 17-20 at the American Seed Trade Associations 132nd Annual Convention to identify issues impacting the industry seek solutions and push policy. The theme of this years conference was Make Your Voice Heard and thats just what attendees did by visiting the offices of more than 129 policymakers. Here are some of the highlights from this years convention. Julie Deering ASTAMEMBERSSTORMTHEHILL Seed industry representatives from across the country and across industry sectors came together June 17-18 to meet with policymakers in Washington D.C. as part of ASTAs 132nd Annual Convention. Participants were matched with other members from their congressional districts to share personal experiences with Members of Congress about issues facing the seed industry and to ask for their help. Among the participants was David Armstrong president and CEO of Sakata. Some of the issues that his delegation from California talked about included the importance of precision breeding pollinators and GMO labeling. Its important for lawmakers to hear from industry and real people doing everyday work Armstrong said. Its important for the message to be brought directly to law- makers and their staffs so they can factor that into the decisions they are making. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa sits down with 20 seed industry representatives from Iowa to learn about key priorities. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 59 AGRICULTURESECRETARYCALLSONINDUSTRYTO EDUCATECONGRESSABOUTTHENEEDFORRESEARCH U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed concerns about the proposed budget cuts to research and asked those in the seed industry to help educate friends in Congress about its importance. On June 18 Vilsack told ASTA convention attendees that Congress is looking at a budget for USDA that is 3.3 billion less than it was when he first became secretary. This proposed budget would go into effect Oct. 1. Given the need for America to remain competitive given the fact that we have great universities given the fact that we have committed for over 150 years the important role of our land- grant universities one would think that we would look for ways to support research both privately and publicly Vilsack said. He explained that a good portion of the budget cuts have come from research primarily research facilities associated with USDAs Agricultural Research Service Economic Research Service National Agriculture Statistics Service and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Support for research needs to be an ongoing commitment Vilsack said. Theres probably not a company in this room that hasnt made a significant commitment to research and hasnt made it year after year after year. And it has probably taken that long for the innovations that the companies in this room have created to take hold. It cant just be a one-off opportunity it has to be a long- term commitment. I certainly appreciate the importance of other aspects of our economy and the research that needs to take place in things like healthcare. But fundamentally it all starts with our ability to feed our people. It all starts with our ability to main- tain our vibrant rural economy. During the opening general session of ASTAs 132nd Annual Convention Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack took questions from the audience. ASTAHONORSTWOWITH DISTINGUISHEDSERVICEAWARD Greg Lamka and Betsy Peterson were recognized with ASTAs Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the association and the seed industry said John Schoenecker of HM.CLAUSE and 201415 ASTA chairman. Lamka who has retired from DuPont Pioneer after a 22-year career is responsible for developing the ELISA test while at Iowa State University. The test still used globally ensures that seed corn for export is free from Stewarts wilt. Throughout his career Lamka held several positions including soybean seed produc- tion manager director of soybean breeding quality assurance manager phytosanitary regulatory manager and seed treatment strategy manager. He has also served the broader industry at the state national and international levels. Lamka has served as chair of the Iowa Seed Association board of directors a long-time member of ASTAs Phytosanitary and Seed Treatment Environment ernstseed.com salesernstseed.com 800-873-3321 Native seeds for Pollinator Habitat Restoration Reclamation Sustainable Landscapes Conservation Biomass 60 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 committees as well as chair of the International Seed Federations Seed Applied Technology Committee and a member of its board of directors. Additionally Lamka was instrumental in helping to establish the National Seed Health System. Today he resides in Iowa and stays connected to the industry through consulting projects. To the west is where Peterson a California native got her start in the seed industry harvesting sunflowers during a 10-week job for a U.S. Department of Agriculture researcher. From there she was hooked. While at the University of California Davis she learned from some of the top researchers in the world and man- aged greenhouse and field trials. Peterson was the first female inspector for the California Crop Improvement Association where she managed the sunflower seed domestic and OECD certification program variety registration and native species. In 2002 she joined the California Seed Association and broadened her work to include vegetable flower and turf seeds. Peterson has worked with the industry to address issues that impact their ability to produce and distribute seed. She has facili- tated workgroups to address seed borne pathogens food safety seed regulated import and export issues and invasive species. Schoenecker who has worked closely with Peterson through the years says Betsy has a knack for being able to bring together diverse groups to work through intricate and challeng- ing issues. Through these efforts she has helped lead the way in identifying mitigation efforts including pesticide registrations developing fact sheets and providing outreach and education. Peterson too has served the broader industry in roles on the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee PlantRight and the California Specialty Crop Block Grant Technical Review Committee. She retired from CSA June 30 to pursue work in textiles. On behalf of ASTA Schoenecker thanked Lamka and Peterson for their involvement and contributions to the industry. Betsy Peterson who has retired from the California Seed Association was presented with the ASTA Distinguished Service Award during the 132nd Annual Convention. JERRYMONKNAMEDLIFETIMEHONORARYMEMBER Jerry Monk of Kelly Green Seeds and Warner Seeds was recognized with ASTAs Lifetime Honorary Member Award. Since 1907 the ASTA chairman has had the challenge of selecting an individual who has truly made an impact. Past ASTA lifetime honorary members are 2014 Jim Tobin Monsanto Company 2013 Kelly Keithly Keithly-Williams Seeds 2012 Sonny Beck Becks Hybrids 2011 Harry Collins Monsanto Company Larry Svajgr Indiana Crop Improvement Association 2010 Arcadio Lozano Martinez Mexican Seed Trade Association 2009 Gabe Patin retired from Sakata Seed America Honorary Members Some might say he grew up in the seed industry but this 44-year veteran credits much of his success to those around him and those leaders who set the stage before him. Steel sharpens steel and I thank you for being the steel that has sharpened Pam and I allowing us to serve this great industry said Jerry Monk of Kelly Green Seeds and Warner Seeds after being recognized with the ASTAs Lifetime Honorary Member Award. The award is one of the highest awards given out by the association and is in rec- ognition of untiring service to not only the association but also the entire seed industry. Monk has directed operations domestically and internationally with experi- ence in all phases of seed operations. Besides serving as CEO of the Texas-based Kelly Green Seeds and Warner Seeds he also heads Warner International Seeds based in Guadalajara Mexico and Warner Seeds SRL in Buenos Aires Argentina. With a service-oriented mind Monk has participated in and led a number of associa- tions within the seed industry. He is a past president of the Texas Seed Trade Association the Southern Seed Association and ASTA. During his time as ASTA chair 200910 Monk once said Involvement is critical to the success of our efforts to be up on it you have to be in on it. Monk doesnt just talk but his actions show a true commitment to this belief as his service continues today as president of the Seed Association of the Americas. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 61 ASTACHAIRMANCALLSFORCONTINUEDADVOCACY During the gala banquet then ASTA chair John Schoenecker recognized industry leaders and thanked them for their service. He also urged members and the entire seed industry to con- tinue its advocacy efforts and investment in the association. Shoenecker recognized ASTA members who are going off the board of directors. These include Mervyn Selvidge of ZS Seed Services Inc. who served as Western Region vice presi- dent and Jim Schweigert of GroAlliance LLC who most recently served as vice president to Canada. Stepping in to fill those roles are Fred Fabre of SW Seed Company and Matt Hynes of GROWMARK respectively. Before handing over the gavel and stepping down as chair- man Schoenecker urged the association to continue advocat- ing for issues important to the seed industry. Advocacy was the overarching theme of Schoeneckers year as chairman. Strong advocacy is needed to further drive the debate on issues such as GMO-labeling that affect the seed industry he said. This year ASTA worked to build advocacy and education tools provided training for members kicked off a new communi- cations campaign and launched the SeedFirstPAC. The SeedFirst PAC which formally launched the week of the convention aims to strengthen the seed industrys fluence at the federal level. Stay up to date with the PAC by following it on Twitter seedfirstpac. We are in a really strong position but have to further our interests and continue our efforts he said. Please keep these efforts going and think advocacy and think ASTA. Shoenecker acknowledged that theres risk involved but he said companies must be willing to take on a little risk to advance the larger issues pollinators a seed-specific international standard on phytosanitary measures synchronizing regulatory approvals and more. Weve got to be willing to take these risks Shoenecker said calling for companies to commit people time and resources to the association to continue moving these efforts forward. In wrapping up his year as ASTA chair John Schoenecker of HM.CLAUSE provides perspective on how the industry needs to come together to further progress. As one of the final orders of business at the annual convention the membership voted in the new officers for 201516. At the helm and serving as chair is Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon. Mark Herrmann of Monsanto Vegetable Seeds serves as vice chair and Tracy Tally of Justin Seed Company serves as second vice chair. Regional vice presidents for the association include Southeast Perry Bohn BASF. Northeast Andy Ernst Ernst Conservation Seeds. Central David Pearl The CISCO Companies. North Central John Latham Latham Hi-Tech Seeds Inc. Northwest Rob Mitchell The J.R. Simplot Company. South Alan Ostercamp RiceTec Inc. West Fred Fabre SW Seed Company. From the Canadian Seed Trade Association Wayne Gale Stokes Seeds. To Canada Matt Hynes GROWMARK Inc. From the Mexican Seed Trade Association Jose Luis Gastelum Syngenta Seeds Inc. To Mexico Jerry Monk of Warner Seeds Inc. Interim. As chair DeMasi is tasked with establishing quantifiable measurements of success toward reaching the goals of ASTAs Strategic Plan by 2018. In doing so she set goals for her first 100 days as chair and shared them with attendees. First I want to speak with all incoming regional vice presi- dents division and committee chairs directors at large U.S. regional and Canadian and Mexican representatives and ASTA senior staff DeMasi said. Second is to determine what is meas- urable and to establish benchmarks. And third is to develop clear and quantifiable measurements of success. During DeMasis acceptance remarks at the gala banquet she recognized trailblazers of the industry which is a play on the theme of the 2016 convention Blazing Trails highlighting the progress thats been made through the years and how far the association has come. Some of the trail blazers featured included Richard Robbins who was responsible for forming ASTA 132 years ago Henry Wallace Norman Borlaug and Dick Crowder among others. DeMasi says she will be prepared to report the associations progress in relation to its strategic plan at next years annual convention which will be held June 18-22 in Portland Ore. SW MEMBERSHIPELECTSNEWOFFICERSFOR201516 1. Speak with all incoming regional vice presidents division and committee chairs directors at large U.S. regional and Canadian and Mexican representatives and ASTA senior staff. 2. Determine what is measurable and establish benchmarks. 3. Develop clear and quantifiable measurements of success. Risa DeMasi GOALS 62 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 RETIRED UNIVERSITY OF Oklahoma agricultural law professor Drew Kershen is a staunch advocate for biotechnology specifically the vitamin A enriched golden rice. Hes also Roman Catholic and believes his faith and his support for biotech go hand-in-hand. My work in agricultural biotechnology is significantly motivated by the belief that this technology offers significant benefits in ways that are consistent with Catholic social teaching and with my obligations as a human being he says. Those include feeding and clothing the poor. Kershens belief that biotech and his religious faith are connected is one reason hes encouraged by the encycli- cal letter released by Pope Francis titled On Care for Our Common Home in which the pope shares his views on the environment calling on people to come together to tackle climate change and the continued acceleration of changes affecting humanity and the planet. The letter which has drawn reactions from around the globe for its acknowl- edgment of climate change includes a brief section on biotechnology. Although Pope Francis stops short of promoting biotechnology he does acknowledge that it has brought about economic growth which has helped to resolve problems. It would be incorrect to say the encyclical endorses biotechnology or is even enthusiastic about it but it is open to it Kershen says. Greater Acceptance In the encyclical Pope Francis says biotechnology is an example of human ingenuity and compares scientists to artists using their God-given abilities to improve the world. Comments like that which come from the leader of the worlds 1.2 billion Catholics are encouraging to Adrian Dubock executive secretary of the Golden Rice Humanitarian Board which is responsible for the Golden Rice Project. Golden rice is a genetically-modified product enriched with beta-carotene designed to alleviate vitamin-A deficiency. Despite its massive potential public misconceptions and political controversy about GMOs have prevented the rice from being available to the countries most affected by vitamin-A deficiency. Vitamin-A deficiency causes blind- ness in 250000 to 500000 children every year half of whom die within a year of losing their eyesight according to the World Health Organization. Vitamin-A deficiency also suppresses the immune systems of children and mothers so that they succumb to common diseases. About 6000 children each day die from lack of vitamin A. In November 2013 following a meeting of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences golden rice co-creator Ingo Potrykus had a brief meeting with Pope Francis during which Francis gave his personal blessing to a small bag of golden rice and the Golden Rice Project. I think all the religious leaders can play their part in transforming world opin- ion on GMO crops Dubock says. Pope Francis isnt the first leader of the Catholic Church to open the door to dis- cussing biotechnology specifically golden rice. In 2004 Potrykus met with Pope John Paul II which lead to his membership of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and subsequently meetings of the Vaticans Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences Popes Openness to Biotech Could Help Pave the Way for GMOs Despite acknowledging their potential proponents say the Catholic Church can do more to speed acceptance of GM products. Marc Zienkiewicz Golden rice co-creator Ingo Potrykus met with Pope John Paul II in 2004 an exchange that led to him being invited to join the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and two Pontifical Academy meetings concerning biotechnology. 6000 childrendie each day from lack of vitamin A. 1.2 billionCatholics inhabit the world. Latin America is home to 40 percentof the worlds Catholics. Catholicism is growing fastest in Africa. FAST FACTS SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 63 Seed Storage For Peak Profits. BMIL Technologies has the turnkey storage solution to make sure your seeds reach their full profit potential. AgLocker provides Significant energy savings with 13 less power consumption Consistent low temperature and humidity Lightweight fast unit installation Easy monitoring For seeds that go the distance check out AgLocker by BMIL today. The difference is dramatic Seeds kept at optimum temperature and moisture levels have a storage life of 1020 days or more. Those that arent last as little as 47 days or less. Thats over a 2000 increase. 252 727-0994 4915 Arendell Street 313 Morehead City NC 28557 bmilbmil.com www.bmil.com www.aglocker.com Source American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers ASABE 2014 Special Report Successful Farming. Example is of clean undamaged shelled corn stored at 50 F 14 moisture content vs. 80 F 16 moisture content. concerning biotechnology and GMOs. These academies are key policy advisers to the Vatican. Both of those meetings started with the church mostly negative about GMO crops but ended with the two academies supporting GMO crops as being pro- poor Dubock says. Still he notes that having the approval of a Pontifical Academy is not the same as getting an official endorsement from the Vatican. Dubock says Pope Francis cautious approach to the issue of GMOs in the recent encyclical is understandable. A pope probably has to be careful not to alienate those of his flock who are of different opinions Dubock says. Kershen spoke about food security and biotechnology at the 2009 meeting of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Hes disappointed that Pope Francis wasnt more positive about biotech in the recent encyclical in which Francis writes Although no conclusive proof exists that GM cereals may be harmful there remain a number of significant difficulties which should not be underestimated. Francis goes on to write In many places following the introduction of GM crops productive land is concentrated in the hands of a few owners due to the progressive disappearance of small producers who as a consequence of the loss of the exploited lands are obliged to withdraw from direct production. Kershen considers this particular description of biotechnology as factually inaccurate. The pope really overempha- sizes these so-called significant difficul- ties Kershen says. The socioeconomic ramifications of GMOs have been very positive but theyre not portrayed that way in the encyclical. You wouldnt have millions of small farmers growing GMOs if they werent seeing positive benefits. Farmers are not dumb and they should not be treated as too dumb to understand their own best interests or as if theyre unable to exercise their own freedom. They have not been enslaved my multinational corporations nor have they been forced to grow GMOs there are plenty of alternatives. Hope for the Future Despite the popes cautious approach to the issue of biotechnology and the fact that the Vatican has not formally endorsed golden rice or any other GMO Dubock is hopeful that will change. In 2010 he was pleased to see the National Halal Accreditation Board of the Philippines as had previously been done in Malaysia formally declare golden rice to be halal according to Islamic Shariah standards. Halal food is that which adheres to Islamic law as defined in the Koran similar to the process of declaring food kosher in the Jewish tradition. A lot of poor populations that suffer from vitamin-A deficiency actually are Muslim Dubock says. But there was a question about whether golden rice could be considered halal. A meeting was held and the senior members of the Muslim faith were invited to look at golden rice. They were kind of surprised and said It looks like rice. To which the answer was well it is rice and they decided there couldnt be a prob- lem with it unless it contained genetic material from a pig or something like that which it obviously does not. Kershen is also hopeful the views of the pope and the Vatican will continue to change in favor of biotechnology and GMOs. SW 64 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 RESEARCH SHOWCASE Welcome to Seed Worlds Research Showcase a new department within the magazine. This department is designed to bring more scientific information to readers as well as showcase the work being done by graduate students and their advisors. Potential for Application of Growth-Promoting Bacterial Endophytes in Turfgrasses Qiang Chen Marshall Bergen and James F. White Jr. Department of Plant Biology and Pathology Rutgers The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick NJ 08901 About The Author Qiang Chen is a doctoral student in Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University. His research focuses on the bacterial endophytes from turf grasses. He intends to graduate in 2017 and hopes to work as a researcher studying bacterial endophytes and their func- tions either in the public or private sectors. Introduction The existence of non-pathogenic microbes in plants has long been known. These microbes are referred to as endophytes. Endophytes are microbes that enter into the tissues of plants without causing disease. Both fungal and bacterial endophytes are common in plants. How most endo- phytes interact with plant hosts is still unknown but several studies demonstrate that endophytes may benefit plants by increasing their competitive abilities and overall tolerance to stress. In turf grass fungal Epichlo endophytes have been well known to enhance plant growth and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However the presence and effects of bacterial endo- phytes in turf grass are less well known. In our study we examined seed-transmitted bacterial endophytes in Chewings fescue creeping red fescue hard fescue Kentucky bluegrass peren- nial ryegrass sheep fescue slender creeping red fescue and tall fescue. Also we evaluated the effects of endophytic bacteria on the plants. Materials And Methods Bacterial Isolation and Identification Seeds of eight turfgrass species were obtained from breeding program selections available at the Rutgers Research Farm in Adelphia N.J. To remove surface bacteria grass seeds were surface disinfected in 4 percent sodium hypochlorite solution for 30 minutes and rinsed three times with water for 30 seconds. The surface disinfected seeds were put on Potato Dextrose Agar PDA Difco Laboratories Detroit Mich. and 10 percent Tripticase Soy Agar TSA Difco Laboratories Detroit Mich. for isolation of bacteria. For bacterial identification about 1450 base pairs of the 16S rDNA region were ampli- fied with primers 16S-27F 5- AGAGTTTGATCMTGGCTCAG-3 and 16S-1492R 5- AAGGAGGTGWTCCARCC-3 MAC WAT RAG. Polymerase chain reaction PCR amplification was conducted with the program of denaturing at 94o C for 60 seconds anneal- ing at 46o C for 30 seconds and extension at 72o C for 90 seconds 36 cycles. The PCR products were checked using agarose gel electrophoresis 1.2 percent and then sent for sequencing to Genewiz Inc Plainfield N.J.. The sequencing results were compared on NCBI for identification. Seed Germination Test Seeds of Kentucky bluegrass P. pratensis were disinfected in 4 percent sodium hypochlo- rite solution for 30 minutes and rinsed three times with sterile water for 30 seconds. Bacterial isolates Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus pumilus from sheeps fescue and two Pantoea agglomerans isolates from tall fescue F. arundinacea and teosinte Zea mays Mexicana were cultured in Potato Dextrose Brouth. After 24 hours bacteria were concentrated by centrifuga- tion and then diluted in water to OD6000.8. Surface disinfected seeds of Kentucky bluegrass were inoculated with bacterial solutions by soaking with agitation for five minutes. Then seeds were placed on 1.5 percent water agar and 1.5 percent agar with 100mM NaCl. After a 7 10 14 and 17 day incubation period on the media the rates of germination were calculated for each treatment. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 67 REFERENCES Adesemoye A.O. Torbert H.A. and Kloepper J.W. 2009. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria allow reduced application rates of chemical fertilizers. Micro. Ecol. 58921-929. Alshammary S. F. Qian Y.L. and Wallner S.J. 2004. Growth response of four turfgrass species to salinity. Agricultural Water Management 66 97-111. Brem D. and Leuchtmann A. 2001. Epichlo grass endophytes increase herbivore resistance in woodland grass Brachypodium sylvaticum. Oecologia 126 522530. Burelle-Kokalis N. Vavrina C.S. Reddy M.S. and Kloepper J.W. 2003. Amendment of muskmelon and watermelon transplant media with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria effects on seedling quality disease and nematode resistance. Hort Technology 13 476-482. Carroll G. 1988. Fungal endophytes in stems and leaves From latent pathogen to mutualistic symbiont. Ecology 69 2-9. Chen X. H. Koumoutsi A. Scholz R. Schneider K. Vater J. Sussmuth R. Piel J. and Borriss R. 2009. Genome analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 reveals its potential for biocontrol of plant pathogens. J Biotechnol 1401-2 27-37. Chen X. H. Vater J. Piel J. Franke P. Scholz R. Schneider K. Koumoutsi A. Hitzeroth G. Grammel N. Strittmater A. Gottschalk G. Sussmuth R. and Borriss R. 2006. Structural and functional characterization of three polyketide synthase gene clusters in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB 42. J Bacteriol 18811 4024-4036. Chowdhury S. P. Dietel K. Randler M. Schmid M. Junge H. Borriss R. Hartmann A. and Grosch R.2013. Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 on lettuce growth and health under pathogen pressure and its impact on the rhizosphere bacterial community. PLoS One 87 e68818. Gutirrez-Maero F. J. Ramos-Solano B. Probanza A. Mehouachi J. R. Tadeo F. and Talon M. 2001. The plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus licheniformis produce high amounts of physiologically active gibberellins. Physiol Plant 111 206-211. Kuldau G. and Bacon C. 2008. Clavicipitaceous endophytes Their ability to enhance resistance of grasses to multiple stresses. Biological Control 461 57-71. Qian Y. L. 2003. Salt tolerance should be considered when choosing Kentucky bluegrass varieties. Turfgrass Trends June 2003 60-64. White J. F. Torres M. S. Sullivan R. F. Jabbour R. E. Chen Q. Tadych M. Irizarry I. Bergen M. S. Havkin-Frenkel D. and Belanger F. C. 2014. Microscopy research and technique Occurrence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as a systemic endophyte of vanilla orchids. Microsc. Res. Tech. William A. Meyer Torres M.S. and White J.F. 2012. Biology and applications of fungal endophytes in turfgrasses. Turfgrass Biology use and management. John Stier Brian Horgan and Stacy Bonos American Society of Agronomy 713-731. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain SF2 and Bacillus pumilus strain SF3 have much better growth than the control Figure 3. All these results showed that our bacterial endophytes isolated from turf grasses increase the seed germination rate and promote the seedling growth under high salinity conditions. Another test on corn data not shown demonstrated that the bac- terial endophytes from turf Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain SF2 Bacillus pumilus strain SF3 Pantoea agglom- erans strain T and strain TF promoted root growth of corn. Based on experiments to date it seems evident that bacterial endo- phytes have potential to promote growth and stress tolerance in turf grasses. Our future research will be to 1 Develop seed treatments for commer- cial use of Bacillus endophytes in turf and 2 Evaluate how bacteria alter salt stress tolerance in turf grasses. 68 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Exploring ideas and views on all aspects of the seed industry. WATERS OF THE U.S. LAWSUIT GROWS In July the National Corn Growers Association joined 13 other organizations in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeking to overturn the Waters of the U.S. rule. Farmers need clarity and certainty about their responsibilities under the Clean Water Act says Chip Bowling president of NCGA and a farmer from Newburg Md. Under the new rule every farmer and rancher in America now has at least one WOTUS on their farm. That puts far too much power in the hands of the federal government and exposes farmers to considerable liabilities without actually doing anything to improve water quality. Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the American Farm Bureau Federation American Petroleum Institute American Road and Transportation Builders Association Leading Builders of America National Alliance of Forest Owners National Association of Home Builders National Association of Manufacturers National Cattlemens Beef Association National Mining Association National Pork Producers Council and Public Lands Council. Similar lawsuits have also been filed by 27 state attorneys general. FARMERS NEED CLARITY AND CERTAINTY ABOUT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT. Chip Bowling PROTECT THE GROUNDWATER Groundwater makes up 99 percent of all available freshwater making it worthy of protection according to the National Ground Water Association and Sept. 8 is Protect Your Groundwater Day. Part of protecting groundwater is conservation. Irrigation for agriculture in America uses 53.5 billion gallons a day. The association encourages agribusinesses to use groundwater more efficiently and help prevent contamination. Drainage water management DWM is one of the newest technologies being deployed. Its based on the premise that the same drainage intensity is not required at all times during the year. According to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service with DWM water quality improvement and production benefits are possible. DWM minimizes unnecessary drainage which reduces the amount of nitrate that leaves fields. This same system can also retain water in fields that could be used for crop production later in the season when water is need. DWM allows land ownersoperators to better control drainage water. Protect Your Groundwater Day is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation American Water Works Association National Association of Conservation Districts National Farmers Union U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Water Alliance among many others. TEN-YEAR FORECAST HAS PRICES FOR ALL AG PRODUCTS DOWN The prices of crop and livestock products in 2014 show diverse trends according to the Agricultural Outlook 2015-2024 report released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. For crops two years of high production placed pressure on the price of cereals and oilseeds. Looking ahead prices for all agricultural products are expected to decrease during the next 10 years as on-trend productivity growth helped by lower input prices outpaces slowing demand increases. While this is consistent with the tendency for long-term secular decline prices are projected to remain at a higher level than in the years preceding the 200708 price spike. Demand will be subdued by per capita consumption of staple commodities approaching saturation in many emerging economies and by a generally sluggish recovery of the global economy. The report also includes a special feature on Brazil where continued increase in production is evident and supports rapidly growing exports. Locate Seed World Volume 1 Issue 1 REWARD 2500 This is your mission should you choose to accept it you are required to call 1-877-710-3222 immediately. Tips for the recovery of this lost copy of Seed World can be sent to marketingseedworld.com. TOP SECRET 70 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 REGULATORY ROUNDUP Keeping you informed of legislative and regulatory changes at the state national and international levels from lawsuits to approvals to other regulatory issues affecting your business. NATIONAL EPA APPROVES OBVIUS FUNGICIDE SEED TREATMENT On Aug. 6 Obvius fungicide seed treatment from BASF received full Environmental Protection Agency registration for use on pulse podded veg- etables and canola. According to BASF state registrations are forthcoming. Powered by Xemium fungicide and F500 fungicide the same active ingredients found in Priaxor fungicide as well as meta- laxyl Obvius fungicide seed treatment helps provide seed- ling disease control pressure often found in areas where pulse podded vegetables and canola are grown. Research field trials in 2015 showed that applying Obvius fungicide seed treatment can result in more rapid and increased emergence long-term residual disease activity and improved seedling health. It controls ascochyta blight pythium fusarium rhizoctonia botrytis and others. USDA DEREGULATES ENLIST COTTON The U.S. Department of Agriculture on July 23 deregulated Enlist cotton a trait developed by Dow AgroSciences that makes cotton tolerant to the application of a new proprietary blend of 24-D choline glyphosate and glufosinate. However the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not yet approved the use of Enlist Duo herbi- cide on Enlist cotton two components that comprise the Enlist Weed Control System. Pending regula- tory approvals Dow expects to launch Enlist cotton in PhytoGen cottonseed in 2016. FOOD LABELING ACT ADVANCES On July 14 the House Agriculture Committee passed The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act H.R. 1599 which is designed toestab- lish a uniform science-based labeling framework for foods made with genetically modified organisms and for GMO-free foods. H.R. 1599 would preempt state GMO- labeling efforts and block states or local jurisdictions from imposing bans on GMO crops. The preemption clause addresses the possible threat to interstate commerce resulting from a patchwork of state GMO-labeling laws. Then on July 23 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1599 by a 275-150 vote. The result was applauded by numerous agriculture organiza- tions including the American Seed Trade Association. INTERNATIONAL KENYA WILL SOON LIFT BAN ON GMOS According to Deputy President H.E. William Ruto the Kenyan government will lift the ban on genetically modified organisms in two months. Mark my words in a matter of a month or two we should be able to be out of the ban he said at the fourth annual Biosafety Conference organized by the Kenya National Biosafety Authority in Nairobi. I want to allay any fear from any quarter that there will be any attempt to roll back what has already been achieved and to give our undertaking to the scientific community in Kenya that you have support by the govern- ment of Kenya in facilitating the work you are doing. ARCADIA BIOSCIENCES RECEIVES EUROPEAN PATENT The European Patent Office granted Californias Arcadia Biosciences a key patent for its Water Use Efficiency WUE trait. The patent covers the use of Arcadias WUE trait to develop drought-resistant and water- efficient plants which will help growers produce higher yields per unit of available water. The platform technol- ogy was invented by Shimon and Amira Gepstein at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Eduardo Blumwald at the University of California Davis and is licensed exclusively to Arcadia Biosciences. CANADA RATIFIES UPOV 91 Officials of the Canadian government ratified the 1991 Act of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants UPOV 91. UPOV provides and promotes an effec- tive system of plant variety protection by encouraging the development of new varieties of plants for the benefit of society. Canada which is already one of the 72members of UPOV is the 53rd member to become bound by the 1991 Act of the UPOV Convention. The 1991 Act entered into force for Canada July 19. GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO TAKES PROVINCE TO COURT Grain Farmers of Ontario filed legal proceedings against the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in regard to the prov- inces legislation restricting the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments. Grain Farmers of Ontario asked the Superior Court to delay the imple- mentation of the proposed regulations until May 1 2016 or such time as the require- ments of the Regulation can reasonably be met. If the court provides a stay against the regulations farmers will be able to plant next year under the same rules followed this planting season. EUROPEAN COMMISSION AUTHORIZES 19 GMOS The European Commission adopted 10 new authoriza- tions for genetically modified organisms GMOs for food feed use seven renewals of existing authorizations and also the authorization for the importation of two GMO cut flowers. These GMOs have gone through a full authoriza- tion procedure including a favorable scientific assess- ment by the European Food Safety Authority however the authorization decisions do not cover cultivation. SW Service and customization of high- quality equipment for eld research and crop testing have been hallmarks of for nearly half a century. Our service team assists clients from machine start-up to maintenance and repair. Today we are pleased to introduce our production facility and service team based in Northeastern Indiana. Visit our website or call us today to learn how quality products can improve your productivity. German Engineering for American Field Research Phone 844-694-6205 PlantersPlantersPlanters Single Twin Plot Combines for All Crops Harvesters for Silage and Forage Laboratory ThreshersLaboratory ThreshersLaboratory ThreshersLaboratory ThreshersLaboratory ThreshersLaboratory Threshers Cleaners and CountersCleaners and CountersCleaners and CountersCleaners and CountersCleaners and CountersCleaners and Counters Harvest ManagerHarvest ManagerHarvest Manager Software NIRSoftware NIRSoftware NIR ALL YOU NEED FOR FIELD RESEARCH HALDRUP USA 6538 S 300 W Poneto IN 46781 t 844-694-6205 infohaldrup.nethaldrup.nethaldrup.net 72 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 STATUS AUSTRALIA Despite a premium of up to 20 a tonne for growing non genetically-modified GM canola Australian farmers are increasingly turning to GM technology to improve yields and on-farm weed management. Thats accord- ing to Australian Oilseeds Federation executive director Nick Goddard. GM crops are grown in Victoria New South Wales and Western Australia while South Australia has a GM crop moratorium in place until September 2019 and Tasmania has one in place until November 2019. This year about 13 percent of canola grown in Victoria will be Roundup Ready 11 percent in New South Wales and 30 percent in Western Australia according to Monsanto Australia. Since Western Australia started growing GM in 2010 the uptake has been phenom- enal Goddard says. It fits so well into their farming sys- tems and their weed manage- ment programs. Goddard says this was despite overseas markets paying a premium. The European market wants non-GM because it gives them a choice of either using it for human consumption or biodiesel and then canola meal as livestock feed after that he explains. But even with a premium Western Australia growers continue to grow GM because they are world STATUS A look at seed industry developments around the globe. While many leaders and farmers in countries such as Australia India and Pakistan make moves toward the adoption of genetically-modified crops and using advanced agricultural technologies Germany remains steadfast against it. seeing a benefit in-field for weed management. Goddard says the Australian Oilseeds Federation was nei- ther for nor against GM crops. Our role is to make sure market choice can be met he notes. However our expec- tation is that the GM canola industry will continue to grow particularly as that is where all the major seed companies are focusing their breeding research. But Goddard says there would always be a premium for non-GM crops. That premium is needed to fund growers that are going to end up recording poorer yields paying higher input costs on weed manage- ment and eventually paying higher segregation costs he says. Once that GM por- tion overtakes non-GM it will be harder to manage in the supply chain and higher costs will be associated with that. Darren Arney Grain Producers South Australia chief executive officer says the economic benefit to South Australia farmers of remaining GM-free had yet to be quanti- fied. The state governments moratorium is based on a supposed price premium but they havent showed us the marketing advan- tage of staying GM-free he says. Segregation has been successful interstate so farmers that wished to remain non-GM would not be disadvantaged by farmers that were growing GM. Grain Producers South Australia believes the moratorium should be lifted to give farm- ers the choice of whether they grow it or not. Source Stock Journal. STATUS GERMANY Despite being a major consumer of genetically engi- neered products there is little prospect of developing a German market for GE crops or foods according to the latest Global Agricultural Information Network report for Germany. The report produced by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Foreign Agricultural Services states that public rejection of GE crops is widespread there is no commercial GE crop in production the govern- ment has banned planting of EU-approved GE crops and no foods labeled as GE are sold in Germany. Germany is the most popu- lous and economically power- ful country in the European Union. It is quite influential in agricultural policy both within the EU and globally. And Germans are usually willing to innovate and be open to new technology but agriculture biotechnology occupies a unique political space accord- ing to the reports summary. The report notes that German society remains conflicted about agricultural biotechnol- ogy and this is reflected in mixed government policies. Public rejection of genetically engineered crops is wide- SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 73 spread. Polling shows German public opposition to GE foods has run steadily in the 80 per- cent range and that there is a high degree of familiarity with the issue. For nearly a genera- tion German environmental and consumer activists have protested against the use of biotechnology in agriculture both in Germany and globally. In the current environment other than the existing feed market for soybean there is little prospect of developing a German market for GE crops. Despite these findings Germany is home to world- class companies that develop and supply GE seeds globally. The report also mentioned that world-class developers of GE crops from Germany which includes Bayer CropScience BASF and KWS are moving their biotech research centers to the United States. Source USDA-FAS. STATUS INDIA Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for a second Green Revolution saying it should start immediately as Indian agriculture has been lagging in several areas including inputs irrigation value addition and market linkages. The Prime Minister says his government is committed to modernizing the sector and making it more productive. He also emphasized the need to use scientific methods for farming to increase productivity. During an event at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute at Jharkhand Modi said Unless we prepare a balanced and comprehensive integrated plan we will not be able to change the lives of farmers. The scientists and experts feel that technology and improvement in infrastructure are key to increased agricultural productivity. In an interview with the Press Trust of India the experts quoted Conventional cultiva- tion will not be able to meet the food demand of our growing population. Shrinking land declining water level and environmental problems can only be addressed through technological intervention. This is where biotechnology genetically-modified crops and marker-assisted breed- ing technology will help said G. Padmanaban of the Indian Institute of Science. K. C. Bansal director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research said a second Green Revolution is essentially required to meet the growing demand of people both due to increase in population and income levels. With the advent of modern tools of biotechnology it has become possible to address those challenges of agriculture like climate change control of pests or malnutrition which have been difficult to be over- come by conventional plant breeding methods he said. Source The Economic Times. STATUS PAKISTAN After Pakistans Senate Agriculture Committee approved the amendments to its 1976 Seed Act the full Senate will convene in the coming months to vote. Aside from the Seed Act the Government of Pakistan is also reviewing the Plant Breeders Rights Act which would strengthen intellectual property protection and the Biosafety Act which would emphasize the role of govern- ment in regulating biotech products. The key provisions include The amendments would bring the private sector under the purview of the Seed Act. Aspiring individuals or com- panies wanting to join the seed industry must have a seed processing plant or reg- ister as a seed dealer. Additionally the sale of seeds without registration or sale of misbranded seeds would be subject to imprisonment or fine. Biotech seeds may not contain the gene that disallows replanting of the crop but is not deployed in commercial crops. And biotech seeds must be approved by the National Biosafety Committee to be safe for the environment humans animals and plants. Source USDA-FAS. SW 74 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 INDUSTRY NEWS Delivering the people industry business and product news you need to know. Submissions are welcome. Email us at newsissuesink.com. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture wanted to see if coating alfalfa seeds with zeolite a mineral that comes from degraded volcanic rock would protect them from soil diseases including Aphanomyces root rot ARR. Known for its antifungal activity zeolite qualifies as an organic soil treatment. The results show that the mineral coating was as effective as mefenoxam in protecting seeds from most soil pathogens but unlike mefenoxam zeolite protected the seeds from ARR. Also it did not inhibit production of healthy roots or beneficial microbes in the soil. The coated seeds need to be evaluated further but they could prove useful in conventional and organic alfalfa operations. If not for a single genetic mutation each kernel of corn on an ear would be trapped inside a tough inedible casing. The mutation switches one amino acid for another at a specific position in a protein regulating formation of these shells in modern corns wild ances- tor according to a study published in GENETICS a publication of the Genetics Society of America. The domestication of corn has long fascinated biologists studying evolution. Corn can provide clues to how organisms change under selection whether its natural selec- tion or selection by humans choosing the most delicious and productive plants to grow in next years crop. The study results provide an example of how selection by ancient plant breeders triggered pro- found structural change in an organism through relatively minor genetic altera- tions allowing new traits to evolve rapidly. In recent decades corn hybrids with improved tolerance to crowding stress have helped drive yield increases. Large differences in crowding stress tolerance CST reported among popular sweet corn processing hybrids has grow- ers and processors wondering if newly emerging hybrids also offer improved CST. Martin Williams a University of Illinois crop scientist and ecologist with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service says this question is important in improving the sustainability of sweet corn production in the United States and maintaining dominance in sweet corn production globally. In a recent study Williams identified a more efficient method for comparing and identifying processing sweet corn hybrids for CST. His research not only shows which hybrids could be planted at higher populations than normal but also challenges seed companies to improve CST. North Carolina State University researchers used a preci- sion scalpel to excise expendable target genomic regions. This strategy can also elucidate gene regions that are essential for bacterial survival. The approach offers a rapid and effective way to identify core and essential genomic regions eliminates nones- sential regions and leads to greater understanding of bacterial evolution in a chaotic pool of gene loss and gene acquisition. The system gives researchers the ability to edit desired DNA sequences to add delete activate or suppress specific genes in just about any organism. It has major implications for application in medicine biotechnology food and agriculture. Just as humans benefit from the good bacteria of probiotics plants benefit from certain microbes. That benefit is also good for the environment scientists atthe University of Washington say. They arecollaborating with an agricultural company to take advantage of these bacteria on a large scale which could include seed coating and spraying. Researchers have found nitrogen- fixing bacteria living inside plant tissue with impressive results. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 75 Contact us Today Ask for Erick at 800-992-2824 ext 111 erickks-ka.com www.krautersolutions.com Your Seed is in Good Hands Climate-Controlled Storage Growth Chambers New Retrofitted Systems Our patent-pending Krauter Solutions Understanding how the beta-glucan structure is controlled could enable the development of wheat grains with higher levels of soluble beta-glucan a dietary fiber that can help lower blood cholesterol. Australias national science agency examined what controls the beta-glucan structure by expressing the beta-glucan synthase gene known as CslF6 from wheat barley the model plantBrachypodium oat rice maize and sorghum in the leaves of tobacco a plant that contains no beta-glucan. After examining the structure of beta-glucan produced in the tobacco leaf the cere- als were grouped into two classes one including oats and the other wheat. By mixing and matching bits of the CslF6 protein from the two groups researchers identified the region of the beta-glucan synthase that controls the structure. The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortiumand theWheat Initiativeannounced thatreference sequencing of wheat chromosome 5D is underway. This is another step toward achieving a high-quality reference sequence for each of the 21 bread wheat chromosomes to provide plant breeders with high-quality tools to accelerate breeding programs. Hikmet Budak head of the Sabanci University Plant Molecular Biology and Genetics Lab in Istanbul Turkey leads the reference sequencing of chromosome 5D. BUSINESS NEWS Vivid Life Sciences a new Minnesota company brings plant physiology tech- nologies from around the world to farm- ers. Its focus is on advanced nutritionals biologicals and enhancement technolo- gies that increase yield and add value to row crops specialty crops and vegetable and fruit crops. Vivid Life Sciences will license intellectual property-protected products and technologies to partners and distributors in the United States and Canada. The company will conduct prod- uct research trials in North America and provide product training and support. Calyxt Inc. which develops healthier food products signsan exclusive license agreement withPlant Bioscience Limited forabreadwheat traitgenerated using gene editing.The trait provides endog- enousresistance to powdery mildew. As part of our product development strategy weare nowin-licensingtraits devel- opedbyworld classacademicinstitutions to boost our pipeline of products says Luc Mathis Calyxt Inc. chief executive officer. Implementation of this trait will enable broader adoption of ourhealthier wheat products. Bayer CropScience partners with Ernst Conservation Seeds to provide bulk seed to individuals and organizations that have pledged to become Feed a Bee partners dedicating land to the establishment of pollinator habitat. Feed a Bee partners will receive a pollinator seed mix from Ernst Seeds that includes wildflowers that bloom from spring to fall providing nutrients for pollinators all season long. Verdesian Life Sciences signs a commercial agreement with Agroalfa in Central America to bring its patented polymer tech- nology to farmers in Nicaragua Panama and Costa Rica. Agroalfa is one of the largest agricultural distributors in the region provid- ing products and services to growers for more than 20 years in Nicaragua and more than 40 years in Costa Rica and Panama. Neogen Corp expands its relationship with Illuminaa leader in sequencing and genomics. Illumina will market and sell arrays with Neogens custom single nucleotide polymorphism content Implementation of this trait will enable broader adoption of our healthier wheat products. Luc Mathis 76 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 to the global agrigenomics community. Neogen is one of Illuminas largest agrig- enomic customers through its GeneSeek genomics laboratory in Lincoln Neb. Laboratories can now purchase the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler SNP arrays from Illumina. Monsanto president and chief operating officer Brett Begemann plans to expand the St. Charles Parish operations in Luling La. Pending a final investment decision by the companys board in early 2016 Monsanto could potentially invest more than 1 billion over three to five years to support its Roundup ReadyXtend Crop System. The produc- tion of branded crop protection products including the active ingredient dicamba at the Luling site is expected to play an important role in helping farmers meet the global demand for food. AgReliant Genetics acquires the corn and sorghum seedbusiness of Golden Acres Genetics in Waco Texas. This acquisi- tion complements thecontinued western expansion of AgReliant Genetics. North Carolina agricultural research firm AgBiome and Genective a developer of biotech crops in France partner to accel- erate the discovery of new generations of insect control traits. Growers need new traits for insect control to counter the realities of advancing insect resistance says Eric Ward AgBiome co-chief execu- tive officer. We are pleased to partner with Genective aligning AgBiomes unique insect control technology with Genectives capability in developing transgenic traits. Wilbur-Ellis Companys agribusiness division acquires the assets of The Seed House Inc. in ONeill Neb. The Seed House supplies row crop and cover crop seeds to local growers and agribusiness retailers. The acquisition will strengthen Wilbur-Ellis position in the seed market in the Midwest the company says. The Seed House will continue to operate under its current name. Monsanto president and chief execu- tive officerBrett Begemann says any hostile bid the company might make for Swiss rival Syngenta is a ways out yet. In an interview with Reuters Begemann says Monsantois eagerto find outmore about Syngentas research capabilities and sales numbers before deciding whether or not it would proceed with a hostile takeover. Syngenta rejected Monsantos takeover bid saying it is not in the best interests of Syngenta its shareholders and its stakeholders. Monsanto believesthe combined company would be uniquely positioned to deliver a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions to farmers around the world and to acceler- ate technological innovation through precision agriculture and advanced research and development capabilities. Bayer CropScience celebrates two investment milestones the completion of a 33 million office modernization project and the groundbreaking of Greenhouse 6 a 34 million research facility at its Research Triangle Park headquarters in North Carolina. These projects are the latest in a series of investments that started in 2012 which total nearly 150 million. Arcadia Biosciences an agricultural biotechnology company in California collaborates with Phytola a Canadian leader in oilseed crop research to develop soybean varieties with increased oil content. With funding from Genome Canada the project will use genome analysis to isolate soybean seed traits that can enhance oil production without negatively affecting protein levels. Arcadia intends to validate the best targets using its proprietary TILLING platform and genetics resources and if successful tar- gets are identified would lead commercialization efforts in North and South America. Dow AgroSciences opens its new and largestbiotechnology research center in Latin America the only one that can con- duct advanced and comprehensive seed testing in the region. The complex will be used in the research of tropical seeds with capacity to meet demand in Latin America. Compared to the current process the new research center will offer time-saving benefits two years on average for the research to be com- pleted which translates into productivity gains for farmers. PEOPLE NEWS The Independent Professional Seed Association IPSA appointed Catherine Ballard as communications lead effec- tive July 13. A Texas native Ballardstudied at Henderson State University in Arkansas. Jeff Sorrell joins AgriThority LLC to improve client business operations and product development strategies. Sorrell brings more than 35 years of U.S. and international business devel- opment experience to AgriThority. Throughout his career he has built a reputation for exceeding committed objectives and adding value to business organizations through sales develop- ment and executive management tactics. Agnition a brand of Ralco adds Tom Chandler to its team as research farm manager and agronomistseed treatment spe- cialist. Chandlers involvement on his familys farm and previ- ous work with Chandler Co-Op in Edgerton Minn. and WFS in Growers need new traits for insect control to counter the realities of advancing insect resistance. Eric Ward SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 77 Partner with ProHarvest Seeds Inc. to operate your own corn and soybean company as a Regional Owner Partner with ProHarvest Seeds Inc. to operate your own corn and soybean company as a Regional Owner Contact us today at 866-807-7015 ProHarvest Seeds Ashkum IL 60911 www.proharvestseeds.com Our unique system provides you with Access to multiple sources of genetics and traits Freedom to develop your own sales programs and pricing Support in areas of agronomy sales and business practices Seed products tailored to your own market area Potential territory exclusivity Opportunity to create value in your own seed business Low profile high capacity portable system. Conveniently unload up to 10000 BPH 270 TPH. Approach ramps conveniently fold for ultra narrow transport. Dependability of chain conveyor design with minimal maintenance. Select from Electric or Hydraulic Drive. Oversize hopper with flexible rubber belting simplifies trailer positioning. To learn more about the Hutchinson High Capacity Portable Hopper call us today at 1-800-523-6993. DRIVE-OVER CHAIN CONVEYOR HIGH CAPACITY Electric Drive furnishes an economical reliable drive. Hydraulic Motor Drive is also available. Ratchet jack axle lift or the optional hydraulic cylinder allows easy conversion for hopper transportation. No need to remove axle. Reinforced spring loaded ramps will fold for narrow transport width. Removable hitch allows for additional operator convenience during operation. Optional Side Inlet available for unloading side-dump wagons. P.O. Box 629 Clay Center Kansas 67432 Ph. 785 632-2161 FAX 785 632-5964 www.hutchinson-mayrath.com THE WORLD OVER MOVES A WORLD OF GRAIN utchinsonH IND USTRIES I NC. www.facebook.comhutchinsonmayrath Follow our Hutchinson-Mayrath channel H-217C.indd 1 61714 126 PM Truman Minn. serve as a significant asset in his new position. Chandler will manage Agnitions five research farms engage in product development and provide sales support. INCOTEC appoints Dennis Groen as director of operations and as a member of the board of the INCOTEC Group. Groen previously held senior positions at FrieslandCampina British American Tobacco and Philips. Hewill be globally responsible for INCOTECs production and logistics. The now permanent role is a result of the strategic reorientation of INCOTEC to get ready for the next phase of strong growth. Seed Consultants names Daniel Call as its general manager. Call grew up on a grain and hog farm in Ohio and earned a bachelors degree in agriculture at The Ohio State University. Mycogen Seeds hires Bill Sutliff as dairy nutritionist supporting Mycogen brand bm3 BMR and TMF silage corn products. He is based in Pennsylvania and will consult with dairy producers and nutritionists in the Mid-Atlantic region. Sutliff joins a team of four other dairy nutritionists at Mycogen Seeds. PRODUCT NEWS SeedWay introduced a line of pollinator mixtures to complement its Conservation Science Genetic lineup of cover crop mixtures. SeedWay has three pollinator mixtures available. SW-Annual Pollinator Mix is an annual mixture that provides open flower spe- cies to attract pollinators. Eastern Pollinator Mix contains a blend of native annuals and perennials that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Monarch Butterfly Mixture is an annual and perennial mixture of flowers that will provide nectar to many species of butterflies. Mycogen Seeds helps growers in the western Corn Belt manage multiple environmental variables with its new stress-tolerant corn portfolio. The portfolio features hybrids with a strong agronomic foundation bred to handle disease and insect pressure water avail- ability and extreme heat. Limagrain Cereal Seeds introduced LCS Genie the companys first malting barley at Acres to Ales Tap Takeover event in Colorado. Here pant breeders farmers maltsters brewers and beer connois- seurs tasted beer made from LCS Genie. USCs new seed conditioner reduces surface moisture on newly treated seed. According to USC this means seed treatment facili- ties that use high volume application rates can now provide condi- tioned seed at a greater level of efficiency to customers. Analysis of genomic sequences that once took days or months can now be performed in hours. Yet for most genetic scientists the lack of access to computer servers and programs capable of quickly handling vast amounts of data can hinder genetic advancements. Scientists at the University of Missouri have introduced RNAMiner a free online service. This game changer in the world of biological research handles large data sets leading to fasterresults in the study of plant and animal genomics. SW 78 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 SINCE1915 ThefirstissueofSeedWorldwaspublishedin1915.Heretheeditorswilltakeyoubackintimeto explorethenumbersnewsandissuesthatimpactedtheseedindustryallcoveredbySeedWorld. 1915 1917 1920 1925 1930 1937 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1968 1970 1975 1980 1985 1987 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 European corn borer is discovered near Boston Mass. The first electron micrographs of bacteria are published. Arthur soft red winter wheat is released doubling the yield of standard Trumbull variety. A MOMENT IN TIME This cover features a helicopter oper- ated by Whirl-Wide Helicopters of Fresno Calif. spraying fields near Atascadero to help control broadleaf weeds on Oct. 14 1960. The Hiller 12-E helicopter has a downwash exceeding 2 million cubic feet per minute. The suns rays show why helicopters are more effective than regular planes for spraying the swirling spray indicates the force of the downwash that liter- ally beats spray or dust into crops so that all surfaces are blanketed. Inside this issue readers learned about meth- ods for creating pollen-sterile hybrid seed trends in packaging and tips for increasing sales during the holidays. FACTS AND FIGURES FROM THIS 1960 ISSUE 5.7 million pounds is the amount of total seed imported in August 1960 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thats down considerably from the 12.3 million pounds imported in August 1959. 10000 members of the garden supply and associated industries are expected to visit the Mid-America Lawn Garden and Outdoor Living Trade Show in Chicago Ill. Nov. 13-15. 20 percent of total garden center sales are made between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31. 1 million pounds of Kentucky bluegrass is expected to be produced for the 1960 crop year. 1.40 per bushel is the price of most seed oat varieties in Louisville Ky. The Fast Africanized Bee Identification System is developed to distinguish European honeybees from Africanized honeybees. The first soybeans with complete nematode resistance are developed. SEPTEMBER 2015 SEEDWORLD.COM 79 RADIATION-INDUCED POLLEN-STERILE TOMATOES MAY FACILITATE PRODUCTION OF HYBRID SEED By Margaret M. and J. W. Lesley University of California Agriculture Experiment Station In many cultivated plants first generation hybrids may have a combination of characters superior to that of either parent. The cost of producing F1 hybrid seed however may be prohibitive. In species which are largely self-pollinating it is usually necessary to remove the stamens prior to cross pollination to ensure a high percentage of hybrids. This adds to the cost of producing seed. Removal of the stamens would not be necessary if self- fertilization is prevented by some natural mechanism or by pollen sterility. The number of pollen- sterile plants can be greatly increased by exposing the seeds or pollen to ionizing radiation. X-rays are most frequently used and in some respects the simplest to apply. Commercial X-ray sources are usually inadequate but some federal and university laborato- ries have the desired facilities. A dose of 10000 to 15000 roentgen has been used. Neutrons gamma rays and radioactive chemicals are also effective. Our procedure consisted of soaking the tomato seeds in a diluted phosphoric acid containing radioactive ele- ment P32. Most of the plants from the treated seeds known as the R1 generation grew slowly and were not nearly as fertile as plants from non- treated seed. From 75 seeds treated 25 plants produced seed from self-pollination. The second generation consisted of 25 small families of 10 to 20 plants each from a different R1 parent. Several mutations had occurred affecting skin and flesh color of the fruit stem color leaf color and hairiness. Many of the R2 plants were pollen sterile. The pollen of every plant was examined in iodine dissolved in potassium iodide and water under a low- to-moderate magnification. Pollen sterility resulted from various causes. A supply of pollen-sterile plants is obtained by crossing a pollen sterile with a hybrid. Totally pollen-sterile plants were obtained by irradiation. It is likely that pollen sterility in this case depends on a simple recessive gene mutation caused by beta rays. This method is applicable to other plants where emas- culation is a major cost of production of F1 hybrid seed. It might be more difficult with species that are polyploid. The usefulness of a pollen-sterile can only be determined by practical tests by the seed growing industry. NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN SEED PACKETING Automatic packaging has shown tremendous growth in the popularity of transparent film-type materials. Anyone with doubts had only to visit the packaging show held in Atlantic City where the trend toward packaging practically everything was apparent. People want to see what they are buying. However when people buy seeds it is not the seeds but the end result of the seeds the flowers and vegetables that grow from the seeds which are of particular inter- est. For that reason except for occasional departures the seed packeting industry has adhered to paper packets with bright pictures of flowers or vegetables. But one company decided to use a poly-type bag. The machine chosen to package the seed was adapted for this special operation only after much experimentation because the poly-type bags were difficult to handle. They did not have the rigidity of the paper bags and would not stand upright for filling. It is usually the case that when you correct one trou- ble you create another and the seed packeting machines were no exception. Faster speeds caused certain seeds to bounce in the tunnel feeding the packets which resulted in seed loss and lack of uniformity of weight in the packets. To correct this the design of the feed tunnel was changed to better guide seed into the packets. Based on long shop runs the machine parts should wear much longer and still give production results far beyond the capabilities of the machines as originally designed. BUILDING CHRISTMAS AND OFF-SEASON SALES Right now bulbs fall peren- nials grass seed fertilizer and lawn spreaders hold the spotlight in garden centers and seed stores. The big question is whether youve made any plans as to what you will fea- ture after the demand for fall items disappears. Some of our large garden center operators report that over 20 percent of total sales are made between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31. They feature Christmas items and items that can be used as Christmas gifts. Christmas trees decorations ornaments and lights for Christmas trees garden supplies and outdoor living items of various kinds that make appropriate gifts are the items featured. As the Christmas holidays approach your garden center must have a festive appear- ance if you wish to draw customers in. Decorate your premises with Christmas trimmings SW Secretary-treasurer Robert Howard left accepts registration of President Carl E. Mantey as Dorothy Chapin pins on his badge at the Michigan Seed Dealers association summer meeting. 80 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Adopting a Joined Approach We need to be clear about where ISF is today how it got here and where it is going so that we adopt a joined approach at every level. Michael Keller have been following the development of the tech- nologies and the emergence of challenging situations worldwide. The committee is working to promote good stewardship practices prepare technical guide- lines and produce tools to help inform members. Focus on Phyto Our job at ISF is to help companies get high-quality seed on the market. Radha Ranganathan has done great work moving the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM specific to seed forward. ISF contributed to the process in the form of a dozen or more papers that explained the workings of the seed industry and through the participation of an industry representative in the Expert Working Group drafting the standard. The first draft of the standard was opened to the International Plant Protection Convention IPPC Member Countries for consultation in June 2014 and attracted more than a 1000 com- ments. A revised version that takes these comments into consideration is being prepared which will also undergo close scrutiny before being approved for adoption by IPPCs contracting parties. Navigate Plant Breeders Rights With respect to plant breeders rights PBR the ISF leadership team is facilitating discussion which plays an important role in protecting PBR and stimulating innovation a prerequisite to overcoming the chal- lenges we face such as food security. A new model referred to as an International System of Cooperation has been presented by industry and International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants better known as UPOV. In addition to receiving support from ISF the proposed System of Cooperation is also endorsed by CropLife International and the International Community of Breeders of Asexually Reproduced Ornamental and Fruit Varieties. We are ready to engage in dialogue on the key issues we have an agenda packed with interesting topics and we have the will to turn challenges into opportunities. SW AS SECRETARY GENERAL of the International Seed Federation Ive travelled extensively to meet with members and better understand their needs to align the organization of the secretariat and the work of ISF with members priorities. One thing is clear Wherever I go I come across well-organized national seed associations doing a great job for their members and promoting the seed sector. Today ISF represents 95 percent of the global seed industry and more than 7000 companies. As an international association representing members worldwide who have very different priorities we understand the diversity of their needs and expecta- tions. However as the world shrinks and the global seed trade grows countries actually have more issues in common than one might originally think. Times are changing and we have to move with the times. Today ISF is focused on developing a five-year strategic plan. In doing so staff and leaders have been asked to revisit the mission vision and core values of ISF to increase their relevance in todays environment. As part of this the ISF secretariat has been finalizing their strategic objectives which will be linked to the work of ISF committees and sections and coordinated through new action plans. We need to be clear about where ISF is today how it got here and where it is going so that we adopt a joined approach at every level both inside and outside of the organization. Clearly Communicate This year ISF launched a Working Group on Plant Breeding and Innovation to develop a strategy for political outreach and communications. The working group along with ISFs communications manager Jennifer Clowes is developing messages that target specific stakeholders. Coordinating communications and creating the context for collaboration are central to ISFs new communications function. The ISF team is working to communicate more about the benefits of seed applied technologies with technical director Piero Sismondo at the helm. Inside ISF the Seed Applied Technologies Committee SATCom is comprised of experts who MICHAEL KELLER Secretary general for the International Seed Federation Strong Seed. Healthy Grain. PETKUS. Visit us at the AGRITECHNICA November 8 - 14 2015 Booth 06F39 PETKUS Gravity Separators Best possible separation effect and cleaning efficiency at almost 100 www.petkus.com TEcHnoloGY InnovaTIon EnGInEErInG SErvIcE 82 SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2015 Adaptable Reliable Sustainable Chromatins high yielding locally adaptable hybrids are developed by leveraging sorghums remarkable natural diversity. The Sorghum Company 100 Focused on Sorghum www.chromatininc.com 1-855-SORGHUM